GET ON THE JOB LADDER

It’s the classic chicken and egg situation – to get work experience you need a job, and to get a job you need experience. More people find themselves struggling to get work as less young people have parttime jobs while at school. A lot of roles, even entry level, require a degree of experience. It’s even harder for those without qualifications or who are struggling in other ways, such as with mental health.

There is some hope for young Londoners as a charity, Spear, has a free programme to get them work-ready. It has teamed up with employers to place young people in a range of industries.

The charity works with 16 to 24-year-olds, helping them to highlight transferable skills, such as those gained via volunteering or projects at school.

Workshops then explain how to apply these to CVs to boost the chances of impressing bosses to bag an interview. There’s also interview practice and coaching.

Three-quarters of those who have completed the first six weeks of the scheme with Spear have got jobs and are still there a year on.

Coaches keep in touch for a year to help iron out any teething problems and give support as people progress in their role.

Sarah EL-Doori, marketing director of the Mirror’s recruitment website Fish4jobs, said: “We’re working with Spear by running mock interviews for participants. We’re keen to give young people a helping hand and share our job seeking expertise.”

Find out more at resurgo.org. uk/spear/young-people