- Date Monday, 2 September 2024
Over two action-packed weeks in July, Bankside Futures brought together 20 young people, aged 16-18, and from eight different schools and colleges across Southwark to learn about the world of work and build the skills and confidence to help them succeed.
26 Bankside businesses and 105 enthusiastic volunteers helped deliver the Bankside Futures programme of activities designed to inspire and empower the next generation, including workplace visits, career spotlight sessions, skills-based workshops, speed networking, and mock interviews.
The young people also had to work in teams to create a social action project to share their ideas about an issue or topic that matters to them, which they then presented to friends, family and local businesses at the end of the programme.
Feedback from the young people about the impact of Bankside Futures is very positive:
- 73% feel more confident in their understanding of different career options and job roles
- 73% increased their understanding of the different avenues available to reach employment
- 67% feel more confident in identifying their strength and potential and applying it to work
- 79% said they felt empowered to create positive change for things that affect them and their community.
- 80% stated they know how to ensure their voice is heard.
“I got an introduction to lots of different career paths that I may not have been able to experience otherwise and I now have a better understanding of the workplace.”
Bankside Futures would not be a success without support from the volunteers and businesses that get involved. As well as wanting to take part again next year, other feedback from this year’s businesses highlighted benefits such as increased team engagement and morale, networking with other local businesses, as well as raising awareness of their organisation and industry among young people and making them proud to be part of the Bankside community.
“It was lovely to see how passionate and inquisitive the young people were. I was so impressed by some of their questions, their confidence and professionalism. It was also really interesting to meet other local businesses and people who work in completely different fields and have different backgrounds.“
Bankside Futures is delivered by Better Bankside in partnership with Sculpt, a Southwark-based charity with over 20 years experience of working with young people aged 14-25 empowering them to shape their futures.
