Published: Tuesday, 2nd May 2017

Volunteer for an employability programme for Royal Greenwich secondary schools.

The Royal Borough of Greenwich, in partnership with London City Airport and Tower Hamlets Education Business Partnership, have launched Runway to Success.

Help young people to succeed beyond school

Runway to Success involves a series of one day events to increase young peoples' knowledge of the world of work, employer expectations and equip them with skills to help them succeed beyond school.

Following a successful launch event in February at John Roan School, the Royal Borough is looking for volunteers to help support young people at subsequent events across five schools in Royal Greenwich between May and June 2017.

Teaching key skills and concepts

Volunteers work with a small group of students ranging from Year 8 (12 to 13 year olds) to Year 12 (16 to 17 year olds), supporting them as they work through various activities throughout the day, each one covering a key skill or employability perception.

Skills and concepts covered include:

  • first impressions
  • employer expectations
  • team work
  • CVs and job application forms
  • interview skills.

Workshops timings vary depending on the school and activities, some are full day sessions (approximately 8.30am to 3pm) and some are afternoon sessions (12.30pm to 3pm).

'Supporting young people to be all that they can be'

Councillor Sizwe James, Cabinet Member for Transport, Economy and Smart Cities, said: "Transitioning from the world of education to the world of work can be daunting - the aim of Runway to Success is to empower our young people with self-confidence and a greater awareness of what personal skills they will need to go on to succeed.

"There's a saying that it takes a village to raise a child - our village may be a bit bigger, but the ethos of supporting our young people to be all that they can be, still stands in our inner city 'village'."

Volunteering is easy

It's easy to volunteer - no Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) background check is required and no prior training or preparation is needed. Lunch and refreshments will be available. All we need is your time and enthusiasm to help a young person to learn more, do more and become more!

To register your interest or for further information email work-experience@royalgreenwich.gov.uk.