People who love their job are being encouraged to become industry champions and inspire the next generation to enter their specific field of employment.
We are looking for individuals who are passionate and have a strong understanding of their industry, to discuss with local young people their job roles and how they worked their way through their career to get where they are now.
The aim is to inspire young people and to help prepare young people into future employment. There is currently over 160 Industry Champions who are part of the project and the council is looking for Industry Champions from all sectors including construction, health and social care, public sector, digital, engineering, hospitality, leisure and more.
Cllr Ian Gilbert, leader of the council, said: “Having local people speak to our local young people about their career is hugely inspiring. It doesn’t matter what level in their career these volunteers are; what matters is their passion and their ability to inspire others to follow in their footsteps. We want people from all sectors, all job roles to share their experiences and in return they will have a bronze, silver or gold industry champion award to display.”
The industry champions will be invited to speak to primary, secondary, college and university students, as they take part in:
- Mock interview days
- Careers fairs
- Inspirational talks to students
- Virtual work experience
These events can have a significant impact for young people including raising aspirations, informing young people about the local opportunities available, preparing young people for the workplace and supporting young people to make the right choices for their future.
Hyla Grimwade, senior economic development officer at Southend-on-Sea Borough Council, recommended her experience as an industry champion. She said: “Not only do you get huge personal satisfaction, but you are also making a difference to our local young people and residences, and their futures."
Nicholas Smith, commercial operations director at Cantel Medical, said: “It's been incredible giving something back to the community and helping young people with the future choice of their career path, by sharing my own. I never knew what I wanted to do when I was at school and found this a very daunting prospect so I want students to make informed choices about what will benefit them in the long run and help them see how many different options there are for young people.”
If you are interested in becoming an Industry Champion, please contact us.