WANT TO HELP YOUNG PEOPLE ON NATIONAL CITIZEN PROGRAMMES? / SMALL CROYDON FIRMS INVITED TO MEET CONSTRUCTION AND FACILITIES MANAGEMENT BUYERS
Support workers, mentors and leaders are being sought to work with young people from Croydon on this year’s round of National Citizen Service (NCS) programmes.
As well as recruiting staff, applications are also open for young people who want to use their spare time to the best advantage.
“NCS is a three-part semi-residential programme for 15-17 year olds which is perfect for boosting CV experience, personal statements, and UCAS forms” said a Croydon council spokesman. “It’s also an unforgettable experience which builds confidence and independence.”
In Croydon there are three options: a three-week summer project, a one-week autumn half-term project, or an 11-day autumn term-time project (designed specifically for year-12 college students). None of these options costs more than £50 thanks to government backing, and they can count towards a Duke of Edinburgh Award.
During these programmes young people develop team-building and leadership expertise, learn new skills in sport, media, photography, media, drama, or art, and then make their mark by running a project in the local area.
One of last year’s participants, Mani, said: “Best thing ever…if you’re the correct age do it and make memories that’ll last forever.”
The roles currently being advertised by The Challenge, the largest provider of NCS in the country, are for support workers, senior mentors, programme leaders and assistant programme leaders, learning and behaviour mentors, and personal coaches.
Since 2009, they have designed and delivered programmes that bring different people together to develop their skills in understanding and connecting with others.
Payments of between £950 and £3,990 are on offer in return for a commitment of between 10 and 42 days of work, plus 2-3 days training, depending upon the job.
Rhianna Grazier, senior assistant programme manager for NCS at The Challenge, says: “I got involved because young people are the future and Croydon is a wonderfully diverse area with so much going on.
“And having seen the difference between young people on the first day and the last day of these programmes is an inspiration. “They transform into young adults, become leaders, and take responsibility for their actions.
“Watching them pitch their ideas to an adult judging panel is always a highlight, and I always remember how one group who were teaching first aid to the public in North End all jumped into action when a real-life emergency happened after a passer-by fainted in the street.
“Working on NCS is incredibly rewarding, and as well as helping young people it also means you develop your own confidence and leadership skills.”
Local businesses can also take part by hosting one-hour professional visits for young people on the programme, and charities are always welcome to provide opportunities for young volunteers.
Cllr Alisa Flemming, Croydon’s cabinet member for children, young people, and learners, said: “Whether you are a young person, a charity or someone applying to be a staff member, NCS has a transformative effect for all involved.
“This is a brilliant programme that everyone gets so much out of and I’m delighted the council are able to support it.”
A video related to the project can be viewed at:
More details at:
http://www.ncsthechallenge.org/jobs/ (Source: Croydon council press release)
SMALL CROYDON FIRMS INVITED TO MEET CONSTRUCTION AND FACILITIES MANAGEMENT BUYERS
Small Croydon firms are being invited to ‘meet the buyers’ from large businesses working in the borough.
The council has set up the networking event, which is open to all small business based in Croydon, as part of its ‘Value Croydon’ programme.
Value Croydon is the council’s approach to driving growth in the local economy through its spending decisions. It focuses on how the council uses its buying power and influence to drive ‘social value’ by addressing social, economic and environmental issues, and promoting local sustainability, equality and diversity.
Those most likely to benefit from this session will be those with expertise in building, repairs and maintenance, or mechanical and electrical services.
The session, which runs from 4pm – 6.30pm on Thursday 20 April, will allow local businesses to find out about upcoming work and subcontracting opportunities.
Major firms already confirmed to be present at event at the community space in Mint Walk include:
•Willmott Dixon (construction, residential development and property support)
•Mulalley (new build, planned maintenance, refurbishment)
•Arthur McKay (mechanical, electrical, networks, facilities management services)
•GRAHAM (asset management, construction and project investment)
•Guideline (lift services: installation, modernisation, maintenance, repair)
•Clairglow (central heating installation, maintenance, repair)
•Anglian Building Products (windows, doors and external wall insulation)
•Axis Europe (building repairs, maintenance and improvement across property sectors)
Cllr Simon Hall, Croydon’s cabinet member for finance and treasury, said: “Our vision is for everyone in Croydon to benefit from investment in the borough.
“By encouraging the use of local tradespeople and sub-contractors we can really boost the economy and improve residents’ lives.
“This is what we mean by ‘social value’, where local communities and businesses gain employment, skills, and contracting opportunities, either directly or, like here, by becoming part of the supply chain.”
Details of how to register for the event can be found at www.valuecroydon.com. (Source: Croydon council press release)