We get young people buzzing about their next steps
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We hosted a job market with a difference earlier this month – as young people with additional needs met with a host of Wirral businesses and charities to plan their next steps into the world of work.
We brought them together for a dedicated careers event for young members of our Tuesday HiveAbility session – which focuses on members aged 16 and over who have additional needs.
The event – which saw businesses giving young people an idea of different ways they can search for jobs, access training, complete job applications and hone their CVs and interview skills – was the final element of a 10-week ‘Bee Independent’ course, which also saw young members shopping and cooking on a budget, completing their Level 2 Food Hygiene qualification, learning how to manage money and bills, and tackling household tasks like ironing.
Youth worker Jo Patten, who led the course, said: “Seeing these young people complete this course is what our youth work is all about – building their skills and confidence to tap into their passions and potential. There were some great conversations being had – both young people and our visiting businesses learned lots about each other, and a young person ended the careers evening with a possible job opportunity, which was really exciting!”
Helping young people prepare for work and living independently is a key element of our support, including through our HiveAbility programme – which is open to all young people with additional needs and disabilities up to the age of 25. National research shows that as a result of attending targeted sessions at youth zones like The Hive, young people see a 32% increase in life skills and a 30% increase in their sense of readiness for work or lifelong learning. The Hive also hosts the Department for Work and Pensions’ local youth employment hub on three days a week, delivered by MyMCT.
Joanna Kingston-Davies, Co-founder of The MAPD Group said: “The work of the Hive to support and empower young people, and particularly those who are neurodivergent and have additional needs, is crucial to the future health of our entire society. Access to opportunity is not equal nor is it a given, and to be able to play a part in making sure our future generations, regardless of ability, background, or needs, are armed with the tools to be independent is a privilege for us. Partnering with The Hive to Make a Positive Difference is an absolute privilege as well as a key part of our stated aim at MAPD to improve social justice. The benefits and impact of the Hive on the health, happiness and wellbeing of young people within our local community are very tangible and we would encourage as many local businesses as possible to get involved!”
