Mayor of Enfield celebrates 'Work Ready' young people

Twelve young people celebrated completing their free BT work placements in Edmonton as they were presented with a certificate of achievement by the Mayor of Enfield, Councillor Christine Hamilton.

BT offered free work placements to help young people in Edmonton, in the London Borough of Enfield, get ‘work ready’ and prepare for their future careers.

The three week course combined hands-on work experience with coaching and training. It was open to anyone aged 16 to 24 not currently in education, employment or training.

The Mayor said: “Many congratulations must go to the young people who have grabbed the chance to improve their future careers with BT’s work placement course. I hope that with the new skills and techniques that they have learned, the youngsters can build the start of a successful career in the workplace.”

Adam Silk, who completed the course and was presented with the certificate of achievement, said: “The BT Work Ready programme has been a huge help. I’m more confident now. The interview, presentation and communication skills that I’ve gained during the last three weeks will really help me find work. I would absolutely recommend it to anyone who is struggling to get a job, it can help towards finding work and improve you as a person.”

Work placements are a great opportunity for people to build confidence and learn practical work skills such as CV writing and interview techniques. Attendees are given a certificate showing their attendance and achievements to demonstrate their commitment to prospective employers.

Chet Patel, chair of BT’s London regional board, said: “BT work placements give local, young people the opportunity to experience the working day and gain an invaluable insight of what is expected in the workplace. I would encourage anyone to register their interest for the next “Work Ready” course in their area, to make sure they don’t miss out.”

At the end of the course, trainees leave with a career plan in place and receive ongoing help and support to complete the next steps towards employment or education.

BT work placements are 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.**