At Focus we deeply appreciate the value of contributing to the development of young talent. As we recognise World Youth Skills Day, we reflect on our own recent endeavours in contributing to (and benefitting from) the skills of young people.

Work Placements

Cementing relationships and gaining an appreciation of the passions and needs of young people, by hosting work placements and internships, is embedded into our social value commitments. Placements are invaluable for developing staff as mentors, meeting course industry placement requirements and preparing young people for the world of work.

Relevant work experience always stands out on a CV, and we are proud to have again hosted two Nottingham Trent University Future Homes students this year, and completed a duo of micro internships via Loughborough University which will help these students distinguish themselves in the job market.

Positivity and enthusiasm in candidate feedback is always well received, with gratifying comments from David and Aaishah:

‘It is such a wonderful company and I thoroughly enjoyed working here…. seeing some of the things I learn in a real-world context.’

‘…the understanding staff made my time enjoyable and rewarding.’

‘everyone seems to be learning continuously: I have much better understanding of the job role now!’

‘Saw connection of course work against real life impact. Time flew.’

These schemes allow us to work closely with universities, providing our advice to ensure they offer the most valuable and relevant placements possible to their students.

Guest Lectures

We have been encouraging our own younger team members to deliver industry specific lectures to graduates and undergraduates passing on their real life experience of the skills and knowledge gained in the course of their duties. These have included presentations on Approved Document O (overheating) to Architecture students at NTU ADBE, and engaging on Creating and Evaluation as part of the Audiences and Audience Development module for MA Public History & Heritage Course at the University of Derby.

Charitable Enterprises

Our recent Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge raised over £3,000 for Base 51, a local Nottingham charity that works with young people in the community that need support to thrive. Positive input early on helps build resilience and skills, contributing to a better future for everyone. We applaud and fully support their vital work in this area.

As UN Secretary-General António Guterres highlighted in a recent article, the future of humanity and our planet depends on young people. This year’s Youth Skills Day theme centres around Peace and Sustainable Development and at Focus we feel we are an ideal position to contribute to this mission. Aligning our internal efforts with UN sustainability goals 4) Quality Education and 8) Decent Work and Economic Growth, we are committed to building a better future.