FROM THE CEO
PREPARING YOUNG PEOPLE TO THRIVE IN THE POST-COVID ECONOMY
JIM CARRICK-BIRTWELL CEO , FUTURE TALENTED
here ’ s no denying that COVID has taken its toll
T on both education and employment this year , throwing schools and colleges into turmoil , and causing unparalleled disruption to the global labour market . However , as 2020 comes to a close there ’ s light at the end tunnel , with a number of vaccine roll-outs on the horizon and a potential end to restrictions in sight .
Young people themselves also represent “ a very clear beacon of hope ”, according to Jessie Soohyun Park , head of corporate social responsibility at Samsung Electronics UK . “ This next generation of game changers is hungrier than ever to make a positive impact ,” she says in our story on p5 . “ It is our responsibility to create the opportunities that enable them .”
Samsung — whose alternative educational programme , Not a School , has gone fully online this year — is not the only employer rising to this challenge . Many organisations , from across sectors , are reimagining work experience , creating inventive virtual programmes that provide genuine insights , while enhancing access ; bp has , in fact , reached more young people than ever before this year , through its virtual talks and work experience .
Young people themselves represent a very clear beacon of hope
In truth , young people will be critical to economic recovery . More than a third ( 34 %) of business leaders say that the younger generation will be crucial in helping businesses survive post-pandemic , due their energy and enthusiasm ( 51 %), aptitude for technology ( 46 %), and creativity ( 40 %). Barclays LifeSkills , which conducted the research , is calling on leaders to help employment prospects and career growth opportunities in the younger generation ( while continuting to support young people with its own tools , tips and learning resources ).
Individuals striving to support STEM careers include British astronaut Tim Peake , the subject of our exclusive interview , whose Principia mission provided a legacy of educational content for schools . On p15 , he emphasises the value of developing agility and resilience , skills he has honed and practised during his own multi-faceted career .
Closer to home , there are the dedicated careers leaders , without whose resilience and agility , careers education might have come to a standstill during the pandemic . Your ‘ stories from the frontline ’ are highlighted on page 26 , demonstrating ongoing innovation and collaboration in the face of disaster .
“ We have managed to adjust what we do , with our students ’ futures and wellbeing always at the forefront ,” sums up Sunderland-based careers leader Kelly Oakland . “ We should look forward , not back .”
Jim Carrick-Birtwell , CEO , Future TalentEd Email : info @ futuretalented . co . uk
FUTURE TALENTED WEBSITE Visit our website , featuring a wealth of careers-related content , plus practical tools and resources for schools . www . futuretalented . co . uk