In amongst the usual order of business last week including a VETs (Veterans Employment Transition) meeting in Canary Wharf, discussion for the annual Growing Talent graduation ceremony in November and a meeting with a leading facilities company on ideas for a mental health/wellbeing training programme, were three site visits to see how some Growing Talent Associates were getting on.
Based in Old Street, London, MHFA is a niche organisation leading the way in mental health first aid training and awareness. Part of the global family of MHFA which is now in over 20 countries globally, they were looking for an enthused person to join the team in data entry/admin duties and decided to put the vacancy through Growing Talent. Reece Newton was selected by Gillian and Emma from MHFA’s central team to join them.
Two weeks in, I was keen to find out how Reece was getting on – seen above with Gillian – at MHFA’s offices. Unfortunately, the directions I’d given Reece were pretty useless as a lot of building work had gone on since my last visit! So after a stressful start trying to the find the office, Reece soon settled into the team. So far he’s printed and checked over 800 Mental Health First Aid Certificates, worked on the database ensuring records are uptodate and general office duties. Completely different to his previous retail experience, Reece is so far loving the challenge – and the commute!
Over to PwC’s offices at Embankment Place to see Alenchenu working with the five strong rapid team which includes David Calloway from Growing Talent 4! Alenchenu is settling in well. He’s already absorbed the processes for tracking and delivering packages throughout the building – not as easy as you might think! He’s already making plans for when he secures the permanent job. First on his list is independence! He’s keen to get his own place. Next is evening college to focus on courses to aid his ultimate dream job – robotics prosthetics. Alenchenu is enjoying the role so far and getting on well with the team.
My final visit was to Camilla at Portico seen below with one of the Portico managers – Gary Grant………
Looking the consumate professional in her Portico uniform, Camilla looks as though she has worked at PwC’s More London offices for years! Michal – Team Leader and Marcia – Floor Manager, below, agreed Camilla has not only worked hard to support the team, she has learnt the meeting room operations quickly, staying late to aid events and been positively enthused throughout.
This week, Camilla is in the sun with her family celebrating her mum’s 50th. On her return Marcia and Michal plan to give Camilla the diverse experience of a floor assistant. Camilla has enjoyed Growing Talent so far and looks forward to what lies ahead……………
With plans for an advertorial in the Evening Standard and a month long banner ad campaign on line, hopefully Growing Talent will grow and grow!
Jane James's Consultancy Limited 