BT work placements up for grabs in South Shields

BT is on the lookout for nine people in the North East wanting to kick start their careers with a two week work placement at its state-of-the-art building in South Shields.

Designed for young people aged 16 to 24 not in education, employment or training, the BT work placement is an opportunity for attendees to learn practical work skills such as CV writing, interview techniques and confidence building, as well as completing a mix of work experience and job shadowing.

Although the work placement does not carry a formal qualification, attendees are given a certificate showing their attendance and achievements to demonstrate their commitment to prospective employers.

The next North East placements start on November 14, 2016 and will be held at the BT Harton Quay site in South Shields. For more details visit http://www.btplc.com/Careercentre/WorkReady/index.htm

Farooq Hakim, BT’s North East regional director, said: “BT work placements give local, young people a first-hand experience of the world of work and are a great opportunity for young people to reinvigorate their confidence, motivation and enthusiasm as well as gaining practical skills.

“This won’t be the last opportunity to join a BT work placement so even if you can’t attend this particular course I’d encourage you to register your interest to ensure you don’t miss out.”

Councillor Iain Malcolm, leader of South Tyneside Council, said: “These placements are an excellent chance for young people to develop the skills that employers need and enhance their career prospects in a real-life environment.

“Opportunities like this can be a valuable foot in the door and I would encourage anyone who fits the bill to get involved in this initiative.”

BT is also offering young people the chance to sign up for seven week traineeships in a variety of roles across the UK. The traineeship offers the chance to gain nationally recognised qualifications in work skills and business administration and develops transferrable skills needed to find and start work, whether with BT or another company. After graduating from the programme, the young people get a minimum of 12 weeks support from BT to help them find a job or training.

For more details or to apply visit

http://www.btplc.com/Careercentre/WorkReady/ApplyforaBTtraineeship/index.htm

The BT Traineeship and Work Placements are both part of the BT Work Ready programme which is a series of initiatives provided to help young people, particularly from disadvantaged backgrounds, gain employment skills and get them ready for work. It’s part of BT’s commitment as a founding partner in the Movement to Work coalition of employers.**

Further information on BT’s Work Ready programme – www.bt.com/workready