Future TalentEd Summer Term 2020 Summer 2020 | Page 3

FROM THE CEO FINDING OPPORTUNITIES WITHIN THE CHALLENGES OF LOCKDOWN JIM CARRICK-BIRTWELL CEO, FUTURE TALENTED year ago, the situation in which we find ourselves A would have been considered unthinkable outside of science fiction: a deadly virus, lockdown, school closures, exam cancellations, postponed careers programmes and a world of uncertainty for young people due to enter the world of higher education, apprenticeships or full-time work. And yet the current pandemic has come to pass. It’s no surprise, then, that educators are feeling the strain, nor that young people are filled with anxiety about their future prospects. But neither educators nor young people are easily defeated. While careers leaders (page 27), education charities and some entrprising employers are pulling out the stops to provide virtual support and inspiration, many young people are showing admirable positivity, in what could be redefined as an opportunity to learn and grow. During lockdown, students are taking an unlooked-for crash course in self-motivation, self-pacing, adaptability and resilience, while becoming experts in the art of video-conferencing – skills and qualities that will stand them in good stead in the workplace. Right now, they have a moment to pause and take stock of their life goals and ambitions. “Students are taking an unlooked-for crash course in self-motivation” Despite current challenges and disappointments, the future remains hopeful, according to journalist Robert Peston, founder of Speakers for Schools. In an exclusive interview (p18), he reassures young people that although “we don’t know the pace at which the economy will recover… it will recover. “There will be challenging times,” he admits. “But if I were a younger person, I wouldn’t be too disheartened because there will be plenty of opportunities, particularly with this industrial revolution, the rise of these technologies.” In this issue of Future TalentEd, we too have embraced the ‘new normal’, publishing the magazine in a more readable digital format and gearing resources towards young people studying at home. We hope careers leaders will share these widely. For example, our employee profiles (p7) give insights into what some lesser-known roles entail day to day, demonstrating that fulfilling work comes in a range of shapes and sizes. In collaboration with Young Enterprise (p13), we provide some engaging activities around financial literacy, and on p20 you can find pick of the most relevant practical resources from our partner, Barclays LifeSkills. Meanwhile, our focus on wellbeing addresses self-management, building resilience and the benefits of journaling. We will continue updating our offer as the ‘new normal’ evolves. In the meantime, if you have any feedback or requests for resources, please do get in touch. Jim Carrick-Birtwell, CEO, Future TalentEd Email: [email protected] FUTURE TALENTED WEBSITE Visit our website, featuring a wealth of careers-related content, plus practical tools and resources for schools. futuretalented.co.uk