Peter realised he didn’t have enough money on his Oyster to use the train to travel into London, so he planned his journey, got up extra early to arrive as close as possible to the start time of Growing Talent‘s Orientation week.
Grace had an equally trying time having to juggle getting the children to school and then into Central London. Did she want any ‘special treatment’? hell no. She set her mind on doing Growing Talent following her husband’s experience on the last programme, no matter what.
So a morning of learning, discussing, sharing thoughts, views and opinions on effective communication, unconscious bias, what is neurodivergence, managing conflict, how to move on – internally and externally, we arrived at some case studies. Real life experiences of problems previous Growing Talent participants had experienced. What would Grace and Peter have done? the conversation flowed.
That’s the beauty of working together leading with respect, inclusion and without pre-judgement.
For the rest of the week, we move to training our minds – the holistic element of Growing Talent
Both Peter and Grace are joining CIS Security Limited Their ability to connect with people, observe the cues humans give and think calmly coupled with the intense security training and guidance CIS Security Limited will give them, they have a world full of opportunities about to open for them.
A big thank you to those behind the scene supporting Grace and Peter including
Everyone can relate to the self-doubt and negative self- chatter unemployed people have when seeking a job. How can you showcase the skills and ability you know you have to employers when the loud voice in your head is screaming ‘you don’t belong here’?
This was the foundation of why I wrote Growing Talent and why it’s been successful for over ten years.
Growing Talent is designed to pull employers and applicants out of their respective comfort zones. Disrupt their expectations of the ‘norm’. No cvs, no formal interviews = no assumptions and the revelation of the most amazing talent languishing on the ranks of the unemployed. Talent that with a little empowerment could add so much value to business, their communities and themselves.
First thing is to make the employers feel a little uncomfortable – only fair, right? The panel picture above shows Adam in the spotlight from our sponsor’s sharing his journey to his current role and why the sponsors have supported Growing Talent for so long.
Then Mark from Baxter Storey shared his journey from a safari guide in South Africa to the work of HR in the UK – definitely not straightforward!
James was next from SPS UK & I, now a manager with a team to manage, James began his journey in a similar place to the applicants on a programme I ran then called the Real Apprentice. As an 18 year old, it was tough nailing timekeeping – but he did it…. eventually!!! Over the years James has recruited many of his team from Growing Talent who have gone on to establish great careers.
Megan shared her journey from education to the world of admin with CIS Security.
Lastly Gina shared how she joined CIS Security not really knowing anything about that world but with a hunger to learn she gained knowledge of all areas of the business and now runs a team nationally. Gina has recruited and encouraged a number of people from Growing Talent.
We then had a Q&A session with the employers before they left which we had a discussion on how tough it is to get a job when others make assumptions about our labels and worse still, we believe those assumptions.
Then came the part of the day that most applicants dread – the London Challenge. Working with strangers to devise an idea to benefit Londoners and then present it to the employers with less than an hour to prepare is pretty daunting. Of course it is. I don’t know many managers who would be willing to step up to the challenge.
Of course, the applicants nailed it! After delivering their presentations they have the proof they can do more than they think they can.
First to present was Aurelien and Sujibomi with their idea to tackle the cost of living crisis.
Sharon and Tanice followed with their idea to give young people some direction and positive role models with their Youth Clubs plan.
Daphine & Zaniyah shared their vision to tackle some of the Housing issues for tenants in Southwark. Why not get the contractors to teach the tenants how to look after their properties? Zaniyah spoke about the safety for tenants living amongst addicts. Why couldn’t a property be assigned for addicts to use safely? Unfortunately, I was holding their notes behind the judges so couldn’t take a snapshot of them in action!
Siddik and Owolabi’s idea was to enhance food banks. Owolabi volunteered in a food bank and realised some things were missing. Lots of restaurants and cafes locally threw a lot of food away. Why not open the food banks to take in this food? Why not devise simple recipe ideas for people to use donated ingredients? Owolabi didn’t hesitate to step up and deliver alone when Siddik became a little overwhelmed.
Finally, Peter and Grace shared their thoughts on Crime – particular knife and phone theft. Sharing some stats and ideas to combat both.
Throughout the presentations sitting at the back willing his team on from Southwark Care Leavers was Matthew – the guru of empathy and encouragement at SCL.
Next came ‘networking’ – doesn’t everyone hate that word? Sounds so difficult to do but change the word to ‘chatting’ and it becomes very doable!
Everyone ‘networked’ together for half an hour, laughing, smiling – where were the nerves now?????
Before we ended with a group shot of the employers, applicants, chief cheerleader from JobCentre Plus Anna and the guru himself Matthew.
So, who will choose to return for the first stage employer selection on 16 June? We wait with bated breath!
Growing Talent‘s ‘getting to know you’ event for applicants and employers ahead of the selection stages.
Mark BaxterStorey, James SPS UK & I, Gina & Megan CIS Security Limited met the awesome applicants including Tanice, Sharon, Siddik, Sujibomi, Aeurlien, Zaniyah, Peter, Grace, Owolabi & Daphine.
The heart of the session was the London Challenge. Imagine having to work with a complete stranger to identify a problem within London’s communities and devise a solution to present to the employers – WITH JUST 45 MINUTES PREPARATION. Could you do that?
Our amazing applicants didn’t flinch. Rising to the challenge we had 5 thought provoking themed presentations including:
💡 The cost of living – giving people the knowledge to navigate this era.
💡 Youth Club – revitalising a heart of the community hub to give young people a place they truly belong
💡 Problem housing – giving tenants the knowledge and tools to look after the homes better and improve their health – repairs, mould removal, decoration etc
💡 Foodbank – developing these crucial lifelines connecting the community and hospitality businesses with more food, recipe and nutrition options
💡 Crime – smashing the rise in mobile thefts and knife crime with more outreach, role model, a different life path
More about these fantastic ideas tomorrow!
The overriding feeling from the applicants was how different Growing Talent is to anything they’ve experienced before.
What none of them realised is just how amazing they are. Their commitment, drive to work together and willingness to step out side their comfort zone are all qualities employers want.
Growing Talent enables the individual to be seen, not be judged by their label.
A big thank you to everyone behind the scenes 👏 👏 👏
Currently unemployed? Live in Birmingham? Able to get to the City Centre? Over 18 ? (no upper age limit) Have Right to Work documents in place or Government share code? Want to secure a role where your employer will invest in your training and development? Looking for a job you can grow into a career?
Why not consider applying to Growing Talent?
We are coming to Birmingham City Centre for our information and application event on 26 February 2024.
If you are interested in attending, send an email to jane@thejjc.net stating the area of Birmingham you live and the JobCentre Plus office you come under.
Alternatively, you can speak with your JobCentre/Work Coach direct.
Growing Talent is not a Government programme. You cannot be mandated to take part nor are you automatically given an opportunity.
A business funded initiative, Growing Talent brings together insightful employers, JobCentre Plus, West Midland Combined Authority, community partners and you – currently unemployed talent.
Deadline to register your interest to participate is 21 February 2024.
What an awesome Employer Speed Dating event – 1st stage selection on Growing Talent today.
Hosted by our funders close to London Bridge we had five amazing employer teams and over 30 hugely talented, but currently unemployed people looking for their next opportunity.
The road to new opportunities has started.
What will be the outcome? Watch this space!
Huge thanks to the applicants who overcome their nerves to come along today – lots of laughter in the room indicates the experience wasn’t as bad as first expected!
Initial thoughts from one of these amazing people:
“I wanted to express my gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the dynamic recruitment session and networking event. It was truly an enriching experience, and I’m thankful for the chance to engage with such a talented group of individuals.
I thoroughly enjoyed the session and the chance to network with professionals in different fields. It was not only informative but also inspiring. I am excited about the possibilities that lie ahead.
Thank you for your support and for making this event possible. I look forward to the future and the potential it holds.
If you ever need an assistant in your workshop count me in. 😊”
Isn’t that awesome?
Massive thanks to our awesome employer teams this time around:
Master-Fix Properties – Martin Pilgrims Risk Management – Lasse, Tia & James SPS UK & Ireland – Lois & Bob Pertemps – Sharaz & Jamie Honeywell – Lauren & Andra
Running Growing Talent (www.growing-talent.co.uk) I’m often invited to attend Job Fairs across London hosted by JobCentre Plus.
I’ve always declined these invitations. Growing Talent is a successful journey to employment programme which runs four times a year in London. It is not an employer and does not have jobs direct, nor is it a recruitment agency so, for me, going to Job Fairs is a little misleading for attendees.
Yesterday, after some persuasion from Zara on the JobCentre Plus team at Twickenham, saw me attend their event. The only reason I agreed to do this was the imminent start of the next Growing Talent so there is something tangible attendees can consider.
Unfortunately for some of the employers and Government funded providers attending – the lift at the JobCentre was out of order meaning a little morning workout climbing the stairs – though not as intensive for the team who had to do relays escorting everyone in from street level!
I got some insight into how disruptive hosting a jobs fair is for JobCentre Plus teams who give up their work stations for hours to enable employers, Government providers and Growing Talent to meet some of their customers looking for work.
A diverse range of unemployed people attended despite the awful weather. Looking around the floor all employers and Government providers seemed to have people eager to see them. I had none! But that soon changed and then I had queues of people waiting to see me! One incredibly well presented person attended with their mum. They thought ‘Talent’ referred to improving the existing creative talent people have – in their case music. As I explained the ethos of Growing Talent, why it was devised and the positive impact it’s had on people – their enthusiasm increased despite music not being part of the formula!
Leaflets were given out – including to a work coach at JobCentre Plus who wants to share the opportunity with her 20 something son.
The proof of how successful the event was for Growing Talent will be in how many people request the Zoom details to join the virtual session on 23 October.
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…….
