Lumina takes part in Employability Skills

Lumina takes Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)[KA1]  very seriously which is why it is a core part of our values. Indeed, we have won business awards on the strength of what we do for our community, young people and the environment.

Every year our MD, Richard McBarnet, takes part in an Employability Skills session at a local school. The event is organised and run by Connect Dacorum, a local partnership that connects businesses with the local community. This year, Richard joined 11 other facilitators from local companies at Hemel Hempstead School in order to give 180 Year 10 students advice about CV writing and interview skills.

Richard worked with a group of eight students where he was happy to answer their questions about job hunting and go through their CVs with them to ensure they included the right kind of information that potential employers are looking for, as well as details that will make them stand out. The group then went on to do mock interviews, and Richard gave them feedback on how to present themselves in the best possible light.

The advice Richard and the other employers gave the students will help them understand the qualities the modern workplace is looking for, giving them a better chance of presenting themselves, their qualifications and experience in a way that will increase their chances of getting the job. As one student said: “I will do lots of research on the company I have an interview at, and be smart”!

Creating a better workforce

Richard has been helping out with Employability Skills events for a number of years as he sees the value in giving young people a better idea of the skills they will need in the future. “I initially took part because I had been disappointed in the amount of preparation candidates had done for their job interviews with us. It seemed to me that young people simply did not know what was required of them when they were applying for a job.

“I also feel that it is my responsibility, as a business leader, to contribute to helping the next generation prepare for the workplace. I would encourage all leaders and local employers to get involved with schools in this way as it will not only help students become better prepared for the world of work, it will also help businesses by giving them better candidates in the future.”

Click here to find out more about our CSR ethos.