As part of Sport 4 Life UK’s NEETS ‘Get Fit 4 Employment’ service, unemployed young people have the opportunity to improve their interview skills by attending structured mock interviews with corporate company partners across Birmingham.
Mock interviews provide young people with real-life opportunities to practise being interviewed, improve their confidence with employers and increase their employability skills. Early this year, Jaccy Gascoyne conducted a mock interview with Sport 4 Life beneficiary Ubayda Sharif. Ubayda joined the Get Fit 4 Employment service after his challenges with mental health issues had adversely affected his progression into employment. Recently named ‘Future Faces Ambassador’ for 2018, Jaccy reflects: “Myself and a colleague interviewed Ubayda at our Birmingham office, as part of Sport 4 Life’s mock interviews initiative. As a quiet but extremely talented individual, Ubayda made a fantastic first impression, even at such a young age. I told him he had so much to offer any organisation, no matter what job or sector, but that he needed to truly believe in himself. I left him my email address and said if he ever wanted a mentor, I’d be more than happy for him to get in touch, which he did!”.
Since the mock interview, Jaccy has mentored Ubayda and helped him improve his confidence and employability. Ubayda subsequently took on some fantastic opportunities, including an opportunity as a Press Officer with The Prince’s Trust, a 2 week shadowing placement directly with Sport 4 Life, and currently acts as an ambassador for Birmingham’s employment support project ‘Talent Match’.
As a committed member of Future Faces, Jaccy also invited Ubayda to one of its professional development events, which brought him out of his comfort zone and boosted his confidence and self-belief.
“It’s such a rewarding feeling to have seen Ubayda develop as a young individual, particularly in terms of his self-confidence levels, and to see him now planning out his career with determination is truly inspiring.”
Sport 4 Life UK truly values its corporate partnerships, and the added value they bring to the Get Fit 4 Employment service. Jaccy and Ubayda are a perfect example of how we can bridge the gap between the corporate sector and those furthest away from the job market.