“ Employers are looking for more than just technical skills and knowledge of a degree discipline. They particularly value skills such as communication, team working and problem solving. Job applicants who can demonstrate that they have developed these skills will have a real advantage.” –
Digby Jones – Director-General of the Confederation of British Industry.
UK Youth is actively working to raise the profile and understanding of the Awards with employers and works with some large national and international corporations in order to achieve this. Corporate supporters of the Youth Achievement Awards include: Accenture, JP Morgan, HBOS and Richer Sounds.
More importantly, the Youth Achievement Awards provide young people with the opportunity to develop and recognise their skills in the following areas which are rated as being highly important to employers:
- Communication & Interpersonal Skills
- Self-Motivation
- Decision-making
- Team working
- Flexibility & Capacity to Cope with Change
- Organisation, Planning & Prioritisation
- Problem Solving and Overcoming Challenges
- Leadership ability
“Once I finish my Award I hope to use the experience to support my future job applications.”
Shajeel Ataf, Bordesley Green Youth Opportunity Project
“I’m amazed at all the skills I had to develop. The Youth Achievement Awards has given me the confidence to work with colleagues and communicate better with others.”
Yen Hai Lieu, Save the Children
