Workshops – how were they on the Orientation Week?

Growing Talent is not a ‘refer and forget programme’.  It’s not just about the Growing Talent Associates being evaluated for their roles but for them to evaluate all parts of Growing Talent too!  We all have a voice – let’s use them!

 

What was the best part of the orientation Week?

‘Learning about the 5Ps and building the Social Enterprise’

‘Learning how to cope with stress’

‘The presentations and meeting the employers’

‘Learning more communication skills’

‘The Art Therapy class’

‘Personally for me it was how to breath properly and deal with pressure’

 

What was it like delivering your Social Enterprise idea to a panel of managers?

‘I was slightly nervous, however, I did better than I expected to do using the skills taught over the week’

‘I was more nervous than I though I would be – but overall it was positive and showed me I can be more confident’

‘I was nervous but covered everything I’d prepared and delivered it confidently too’

‘I was so nervous but did it – and won – I’m so proud of myself’

‘I was nervous at the start but the more I talked about my idea the more confident I grew’

‘This for me was the highlight of the week.  Made me develop my thoughts, do meaningful research and overcome nerves.  The judges were really welcoming’

 

This is the question I always dread on the evaluations!: –

What are your thoughts on the trainer – Jane James?

‘She is very knowledgeable, warm and humane whilst also strict and no surprises. Her programme is the  most helpful opportunity I’ve had’

‘Jane was nice, helpful and wise’

‘Amazing’

‘Very nice and helpful.  Engaging and interesting’

‘Great – Jane is very knowledgeable about the business world and delivers a very positive, honest approach.’

‘I think Jane is genuinely down to earth and to the point.  She doesn’t mince her words.  I found her very helpful and understanding this week.’

 

Asked ‘if you could go back to the beginning – would you still apply for Growing Talent?

 

I’ve very pleased to say there was a resounding YES!

 

Check back to see how the guys get on over the coming weeks…..

 

 

 

 

 

Growing Talent’s Orientation Week – Southwark Cathedral

Southwark Cathedral hosted the 12th Orientation Week for Growing Talent in their Chapter Room.  A light, airy room in which to learn, build confidence and relationships of trust.

 

Within 10 minutes of entering the room, the 10 ‘strangers’ started to plan their first presentation to the room.  ‘Six pictures of your life’!  Using landmarks in their lives the Growing Talent Associates – they are no longer allowed to call themselves ‘unemployed’ – confident public speaking ensues!  This is the foundation we build on for enhancing confidence and assertiveness for going on site.

 

Tuesday dawned with Gosia – part of Honeywell’s Audit/H&S team delivering a manual handling workshop.  This is delivered to ensure the guys have basic knowledge prior to a more in-depth session bespoke sessions in their roles.

 

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A slightly nervous Gosia above with the guys talking manual handling!

 

On Wednesday the Portico team – represented by Michelle, below,  – came across to deliver their ‘Give Yourself The Edge Presentation’.  Unfortunately the gods of technology weren’t listening and Michelle’s films would not play!  Still, she delivered an interactive session and gave an overview of her journey to her current role – not a straight line at all!

 

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After Michelle’s workshop, Linda one of the guides at Southwark Cathedral gave a tour on ‘hidden opportunities’.  The synergy was people who over the centuries had taken up challenges at the Cathedral – not really knowing what they were doing.  Learnt as they went and left a legacy.  This was the venue for one of the first London hospitals back in the 11th Century.

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Above the guys met Linda in the Courtyard to be briefed for the tour – great feedback!

The guys below working hard on some case studies!

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On Thursday, Chris dropped in to support the guys and share his insight.  Chris undertook Growing Talent on the 2nd programme when there was less support from Job Centre Plus and things were pretty tight.  He completed, joined Mitie Connect where he worked for two years before accepting another position with Portico as front of house reception at one of their prestigious accounts.

 

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Chris agreed to return to be one of the judges at the Social Enterprise panel on Friday.  It shows the level of commitment and passion in Growing Talent Graduates return to support those following them – Chris has to loose two days annual leave to attend!

 

Interjecting the above guest visitors with workshops, case studies, debates etc on communication, assertiveness, Social Enterprise challenge – we were finally ready for the Growing Talent Dragon’s Den – also known as the Social Enterprise ideas presentations to the judging panel.

 

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(l-r – Anna from JCP, Shane – Invest in Buy to Let, Steph – Iron Mountain, Jon – PwC, Kayleigh – MitieConnect, Christ – Portico and Tony – PwC)

 

Ideas were diverse and innovative including:

A Multi-cultural radio show by Stefan

 

A teenager interactive tv documentary by Leon

 

A community hangout for people with addiction/ex-offenders to creatively find a different path ending with an X-Factor style event – by Ashling & Zainab

 

A cultural learning space for arriving refugees to grow into contributing, integrated members of the community – by Mokthar

 

A  support venue for aspiring musicians with demo production, instrument repairs, jam sessions growing to a noticeboard website for

 

A creative venue, website and sale for member of the local community to learn new skills, make something, showcase it and sell it by Ashley

 

Lastly an internet cafe run by the community for the community with facilities for hourly hire of deskspace for those who want to set-up their own business by John.

 

After an exhausting week learning together the Growing Talent Associates departed for a restful weekend before joining their new employers………

 

Check back to see how they get on