SOCIAL IMPACT
SkillsSurvey
We asked hundreds of business people the following question – When recruiting young people into their first role, which of the most common skills gaps do you notice? This was the feedback:
%
SELF-AWARENESS
%
LEADERSHIP
%
TEAMWORK
%
COMMUNICATION
“Unfortunately, some people believe that soft skills aren’t that important. However, almost every employer I’ve ever talked to about this disagrees. In a world where job roles are changing rapidly, soft skills will be one of the few constants.”
We exist, as a collective group of educational change makers, helping young people create better futures, using our collective expertise.
This incorporates a range of bespoke services including the development of core transferable skills, the discovery of each person’s potential for impact using The Young People Index®, LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® and a contemporary approach to career advice.
Our focus is on those who need the support most, typically in areas of low social mobility.
To achieve the social impact we strive for, we work closely with businesses that share our vision to better the lives of young people who in turn will improve the places they live and work.
It’s not just the young people who benefit from greater self-awareness and developing the skills they need in life.
Businesses and the economy also reap the rewards.
Helping to create a workforce with resilience, a growth mindset, the tools to ensure their wellbeing and a host of other attributes that guarantee they make a positive impact.
Most people acknowledge that it’s not exam results that ultimately make you employable, lovable and satisfied but the skills and characteristics that you possess.
Young people need to know themselves, be equipped with skills that will support their goals and have a sense of direction and optimism. We don’t know what the future holds for them but we can make sure they are ready.
“As workers interact with ever-smarter machines, the demand for soft skills is beginning to surge.”
Using a blended approach of personalised insights from The Young People Index® and playful interactions using LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY®, we have designed and created bespoke programmes for students, teachers and young talent in organisations.
Our programmes deliver both short and long-term benefits and although crucially these support our young participants, they are not the only ones who reap the rewards.
When these programmes become part of a cycle, we start to see raised levels of engagement and attendance at school, along with better outcomes in exams and next steps.
This naturally boosts the economy because, as a result of these interventions, there are more people entering the workplace who are better prepared to contribute fully.
Over time, this skilled workforce will also attract new employers and increase opportunities.
This in turn creates demand for better local facilities in the areas, as people are no longer leaving to find employment elsewhere plus they have greater disposable income.
Better shops, restaurants, cultural events, open spaces, transport links, and schools continue to enhance the area and encourage more investment and improvements. It all starts with ensuring our young people have the awareness and tools to make the greatest possible impact.
THE YOUNG PEOPLE INDEX® LINKING YOUNG PEOPLE TO THE WORLD OF WORK
In May 2022, Coombe Sixth Form in Surrey were invited to participate in a sponsored employability programme incorporating The Young People Index®.
A finance company embarked on a project as part of its CSR initiatives, with the goal to help prepare young people for the world of work.
Download the case study
Read more about the student experience at Coombe Academy and how they benefited from the experience.
The Commercial Education Trust found that almost three-quarters of businesses believed their profitability and productivity would rise by at least 25 per cent if new recruits from school, college or university were prepared better and had excellent commercial ability.
If a business wants to attract, develop and retain the best local talent this is the ideal opportunity. The ability to support the local community, help close the existing skills gap and create links with young people who will transform your future organisation is very powerful.
When an organisation partners with us, we actively acknowledge their contribution as we couldn’t exist without them. Through branding, social media, and events we show how their involvement positively reflects on their brand and values and the impact they make on young people and the community they live in.
There are opportunities to engage with and contribute to the local area, with positive PR and raised brand awareness. It can increase a customer base and improve revenue, support talent acquisition and mean that the business inspires others through their commitment. We always provide a clear plan for tracking and measuring the outcomes of our initiatives. This data will demonstrate how any investment is making a quantifiable difference with 360-degree feedback from all stakeholders.
LOCAL
Investment Range- Local community impact: Highlight your direct impact on supporting local schools and students.
- Enhanced reputation: Showcase your commitment to education and youth development in your community.
- Employee engagement: Participating in CSR initiatives can boost your employees’ morale and engagement.
- Networking opportunities: Connect with other like-minded local businesses.
REGIONAL
Investment Range- All the benefits of Tier 1 level plus
- Extended community impact: Your contribution can reach a broader audience of students and schools.
- Talent pipeline: Potential for a stronger talent pipeline as a result of supporting youth development.
- Brand awareness: Opportunity for positive media coverage and PR
- Customised branding: Tailored branding options to align with your corporate values.
NATIONAL
Investment Range- All the benefits of Tiers 1&2 plus
- Nationwide impact: Your investment can make a nationwide impact on youth development.
- Thought leadership: Position your business as a leader in CSR and education reform.
- Employee development: Potential for employee skills development through mentorship and engagement with students.
- Raised stakeholder engagement: Enhanced perception of your business from investors, customers and staff.
If your organisation would like to support young people, then we would love to have a conversation with you. Use the button to arrange a call at a time to suit you or email hello@icenimastermind.org.
This would simply be an initial chat on Zoom with no obligation other than to discuss ideas and establish if we are a good fit to work together.
If you wish to proceed, we can then go into more detail and start to consider specific projects, including the scope of the programme, the location and the budget required.