S&P Global’s Community Impact Month tackles local employability
On May 26th 2017, volunteers from S&P Global supported local community organisation, Shpresa, contributing their professional skills and experiences to assist service-users in reaching their employability goals.
Shpresa is a user-led organisation that promotes the participation and contribution of the Albanian-speaking community in the UK, enabling its users to play a positive and active role in society. Shpresa registered as a charity in 2005 and supports its service-users across a variety of different projects including employment, education, advocacy and women’s health and wellbeing. Participants on the day included women, young people and service-users facing barriers into work.
The activity was part of S&P Global’s Community Impact Month, during which staff from across the business make a positive impact in the community through volunteering their time, skills and expertise.
The day started with a fun icebreaker – ‘Speed Networking’ – which gave volunteers and participants the chance to make introductions and learn something interesting about their counterparts. The employability focus was then introduced, with volunteers supporting participants one-to-one to elicit some of their ‘Proudest Achievements’ in life and career to date, then discussing the key skills and competencies they demonstrated to achieve these goals and how these may be useful going forward in their job search.
Volunteers then supported participants through a CV surgery and mock interviews session. Volunteers provided critical feedback and observations on how participants can sharpen their skills set as they move forward in applying for jobs and attending the all important interviews that will lead to employment.
Julien Jarmoszko, S&P Global Team Leader for the activity said:
“I came back energised from our session. I saw people with lots of determination to seize the vast opportunities available to them in the UK. I hope my modest pieces of advice will help them structure a winning approach and land them the job they deserve.”
Reema Sarin, S&P Global Team leader for the activity said:
“I wish them all the success and it was an absolute pleasure mentoring a batch of extremely motivated and enthusiastic people.”
Flutra Shega from Shpresa said:
“The workshop was very useful, we really appreciate that the volunteers were passionate to support a grassroots community organisation and it was not just a box ticking exercise. The volunteers came to, and succeeded in, making a positive difference. Many of our young people feel inspired by the day and will take this new advice and professional toolkit into their futures.. Rating the session out of 10 – I give it a 20! Thank you S&P Global volunteers for giving your time!”
Inspired by what you have read? Keen to volunteer your business skills and expertise? To learn more about ELBA’s volunteering opportunities please contact Joey Carey on joseph.carey@elba-1.org.uk.
