Young people in Manchester taking their first steps into the world of work are set to get a leg-up on the career ladder from National Grid as part of Responsible Business Week (20 - 26 April).
On Tuesday (21 April) ten National Grid volunteers headed to Manchester Carers Centre to help young people caring for sick or disabled relatives at home who would be unable to manage without their daily help and support. The day involved honing the skills that would help the young people to land a coveted job, training place or get back into education.
The session included developing interview techniques, preparing for work, creating CVs and completing job application forms, and where to find employment and training opportunities.
On Friday (24 April) more National Grid volunteers will be helping to prepare students at The Manchester Communication Academy in Harpurhey for the world of work.
The sessions are among 17 countrywide events organised by National Grid to mark Responsible Business Week (20-26 April), which aims to champion the role of businesses in creating a fairer society and a sustainable future.
Gina Wright, Commercial Support Manager at National Grid, commented: “As Responsible Business of the Year, National Grid is keen to promote the benefits of employee volunteering during Responsible Business Week.
“Sharing our time and skills is one of the best ways that we can support the communities where we live, work and operate. It’s a great opportunity for our staff to develop their own skills and broaden their experiences– it’s also hugely rewarding!”
Manchester Carers Centre works to improve support, services and recognition for anyone living with the challenges of unpaid caring for a family member or friend who is ill, frail, disabled or has mental health or addiction problems.
Hannah Moody from Manchester Carers Centre said: ‘Recognising the valuable skills young adult carers have developed throughout their caring role is a huge confidence boost to take forward in order for them to feel confident and inspired to think of a life outside of their caring role. The volunteers from the National Grid gave their time to listen, support and encourage the young adult carers to take positive steps forward.”
Last year National Grid was named Responsible Business of the Year by Business in the Community (BITC). The prestigious accolade is awarded to organisations which make efforts to operate responsibly in everything they do, making a positive difference to society and the environment.
National Grid was particularly commended for its employee volunteering programmes. National Grid works closely with Community Service Volunteers (CSV), a leading volunteering charity which co-ordinates and manages the company’s employee volunteering programme and has organised many of the activities for Responsible Business Week.
Over the last year, around 3,000 National Grid employees were involved with volunteering, citizenship and fundraising activities with the charities and organisations that the company supports.