spread the word – Page 2 – JJC – Jane's Journey Chapter

New Year – New Way of Working

4 Jan 20164 Jan 2016Jane JamesLeave a comment

I chose this year not to make any new year resolutions. Past performance shows none last despite the best intentions!

Instead, this year I thought about what would really make the strongest difference to me and deliver the biggest, positive impact on my life?

Like many self employed people and indeed employed, I had an ’empty in-tray’ ingrained in my work ethic.

‘If you clear your in-tray, you feel like you have achieved something’. Really – where did that come from? I don’t actually remember being taught this but it’s the unseen DNA strand that has always been there.

Why spend time clearing an ‘in-tray’ when I could be meeting some amazing people, designing a great workshop, or painting my house? I couldn’t answer that one.

We live in a truly 24-7 society – connected to the internet we are perceived by others as being available constantly.

When did it become the norm to read/type/send texts walking along the platform after getting of the train in rush hour – so dangerous, or juggling emails on our mobiles whilst trying not to spill our take out coffee? Why can’t we wait until we reach the office? Why can’t we get up and talk to colleagues two rows down rather than send them an e-mail?

We are in danger of having the life, innovation and creativity sucked out of us by our own thoughts/actions!

My pledge for 2016 is to take a breath, ensure I have taken the time to innovate, take notice of what is going on around me and engage with others.

If I have one or two things left in my in-tray at the end of the day, I will see that as a success because I have given myself the time to just be.

All good wishes to you for 2016.

Information Session – GT8

11 Dec 2015Jane JamesLeave a comment

This morning saw the information session for Growing Talent 8 presenting to senior managers from all districts of Job Centre Plus – London and the Home Counties.

Some had travelled for over two hours to attend!

The venue was right on top of Embankment in prestigious offices. For the first time I travelled by boat – amazing! Just spending a few minutes taking in the scenery really put me ‘in the moment’. Everything I had on my mind just melted away.

Camilla, William and Mehmet, seen in the feature photo above, agreed to share their journey on Growing Talent. Camilla is now working for Portico, William for Harrow Green and Mehmet for MiteTDM.

Jordan from Growing Talent 2 was part of the Welcome team today!

After setting the scene, criteria to take part and showing a presentation, Camilla, Mehmet and William took the floor…………. and stole the show!

The managers were inspired as was a new employer sitting in the audience who already has ideas on spreading the word within his business networks.

Finally, Anna from the London district team of JobCentre Plus took the floor to explain the process, troubleshooting tips etc

The two hours flew past. The audience was buzzing and we left in the firm belief Growing Talent would be the best programme yet. Watch this space…….

Yay………. Growing Talent is shortlisted!!!!!

30 Jul 201530 Jul 2015Jane JamesLeave a comment

PwC I&P who back Growing Talent have been shortlisted by Personnel Today under their Innovation in Recruitment category. This is a huge achievement considering the age of the programme which only began in Feb 2014.

As Architect of the programme it’s a privilege to work will all partners. However, for me the biggest prize is getting someone into work. Growing Talent has now got over 40 fabulous Growing Talent Associates (formerly known as unemployed) into work including some great talent in their mid-fifties!

When I reflect back to what the partnership has achieved since Feb 2014, I’m amazed! We now have a website – http://www.growing-talent.co.uk – designed by a brilliant niche organisation – Shine Design, a twitter @Growing_Talent and a linked in page. Copyrighted manuals for the Orientation and Holistic week give great onward learning. In addition strong relationships have been built with JobCentre Plus – under the District Director for London and the Home Counties along with stalwart supporters – Portico, Harrow Green, Mitie, Iron Mountain, Aramark, Pertemps, Property Research Co, UpTownOil, Honeywell, Baxter Storey, Red Personnel, MHFAEngland and Wilson James.

It’s amazing what can be achieved through the power of working together and dogged determination!

Winners announced on 30 November.

ENEI – Great News!

29 May 201529 May 2015Jane James2 Comments

Heard last night that Growing Talent has been shortlisted for an ENEI (Employers Network for Equality & Inclusion) award in their Community Impact category. Winners will be announced at the Law Society on 14 July 2015!

It’s strange to think when I wrote the entry back in March, 20 people had gone through Growing Talent and secured permanent jobs. By the time the announcements come round, it will be 41!

It is a great encouragement to the employers who have been involved including Harrow Green, Iron Mountain, Pertemps, Aramark, Baxter Storey, Mitie, Portico, MHFA, Red Personnel, Sheridan Maine, Network Compucare, Honeywell, UpTownOil, JobCentre Plus’s management team and of course PwC to continue, grow and develop Growing Talent over the coming months and years.

Any awards won endorse the programme and encourage others to get involved. Coupled with the online advertising on Daily Mail, Telegraph and Guardian websites through the month of June and the Evening Standard feature – which I’m now told will be published on 11 June – the word is definitely spreading!

The story in pictures………………

Comfort, Sophia, Holly & Jason – pilot

Mikele, Jordan, Nirosana, Sholape, Anthony, Chris, Samick, James & Caroline – 2nd programme

Andy, Matt, Kavita, Mo, Madi, Ariane & David – 3rd programme

Michael, Kit, Selwyn, Kaith, Daoud, Joshua, Sinead, Michell, Max, Jane, Courtney & Jess – 4th programme

Gavin, Chris (now a presenter!)Alenchenu, Jose, Bradley, Camilla, Shanika, Reese, Alex, Shennell, Jason & Reece – 5th programme

Growing Talent Interest …….Grows!

12 Dec 201412 Dec 2014Jane JamesLeave a comment

Funny how things can change so quickly. After months of trying to get interest for Growing Talent out into the ‘wider’ world I almost thought it wouldn’t happen.

However, yesterday I had a quick meeting with the global Firm’s media team – who totally love the whole aspect of business supporting people into work giving them skills to enhance their long-term careers not just the employment skills of turning up on time etc along with all the mentoring etc that Growing Talent delivers.

Ideas were buzzing on how to get the website known to both businesses looking to recruit and the unemployed looking for a job. The energy round the table was almost touchable! We have a plan in place now to put http://www.growing-talent.co.uk on social media as soon as it’s live. This should be Christmas week just in time for those post celebrations when we all start thinking of new opportunities, changing our lives and making plans.

Hopefully I will have lots of stories to share on this blog going forward of the wonderful achievements of those involved and some stories on what happens to those who don’t make it.

One of these is Ariane who didn’t enjoy her placement nor want the job on offer at the end. She left and secured an internship with Milestone Group in Royal Exchange. This organisation does many things around marketing, design etc. They also run a programme for young people disillusioned with life and try to give them a different view. Ariane has linked us up and we’re having a chat this morning to see if we can work jointly. Although it didn’t work out for her, Ariane is clear on the value of the programme – great for me to hear!

I already have 10 jobs pledged for the next Growing Talent programme. With the social media exposure over the coming weeks, by the time we kick off we will have many more!