Caroline Spelman, Member of Parliament for Meriden joined Baroness Karren Brady CBE in Westminster to celebrate the work of LifeSkills, a programme created by Barclays.
Launched in 2013, LifeSkills equips young people with the core employability skills they need to move forward into the 21st century workplace. Delivered through educators or direct online, the programme helps to develop skills such as CV writing, interview skills, networking, problem solving, creativity, communication and managing online reputation.
At the reception, Caroline Spelman MP had the opportunity to meet with students from Park Hall Academy in Castle Bromwich to learn more about how the programme works and, most importantly, the impact it is having in her constituency.
The reception was also attended by MPs and Peers across the House, as well as senior representatives from Barclays including Group CEO Jes Staley, LifeSkills Ambassadors Baroness Brady CBE, George the Poet and members of the LifeSkills Youth Advisory Council.
Commenting at the event, Caroline Spelman MP said: “I was delighted to be join pupils from Park Hall Academy in Castle Bromwich and Baroness Brady in Parliament to celebrate their achievements and the success of the Barclay’s LifeSkills scheme.
‘Now in its fourth year, the LifeSkills scheme is working hard to ensure that young people across the UK are able to aspire to achieve, by quipping them with the skills they need to succeed in an increasingly competitive jobs market’.
‘Having seen first-hand how this project has benefited young people in the Meriden constituency, I would strongly encourage to others to take advantage of the resources on offer through LifeSkills, by visiting www.barclayslifeskills.com”.
Adam Phillips – Assistant Head Teacher at Park Hall Academy commented: “We have found LifeSkills a valuable support in developing our school’s careers programme during the past year. Barclay’s supported us heavily during a recent careers event where they prepared Year 11 and Year 13 students developing their interview skills which they will need in the next phase of their adult lives and in future employment or education. We look forward to using this excellent resource in the future”.
Baroness Brady CBE, LifeSkills Ambassador said: “It’s a pleasure to be in parliament celebrating the success of the LifeSkills programme. We must ensure that we are doing as much as possible to help young people transition into the world of work. LifeSkills works so well because it’s a call for business young people and education providers to work together to find the solution.”