Become a CIPD volunteer
Give back to the profession, gain new skills and strengthen your CV
Inspiring the Future connects business professionals to schools and is perfect for anyone seeking a low-commitment volunteering experience
Many young people are leaving education unsure how to write a CV or prepare for a job interview, and as a result are failing to meet employers’ expectations. We also know that the more contact young people have with employers whilst at school, the more likely they are to succeed in the future. As an HR or L&D professional you are well placed to help young people at this crucial stage of their lives.
Pledge as little as one hour a year to visit a local state school or college to take part in one of the following sessions with support from a teacher:
In return, you will gain invaluable experience public speaking, presenting and providing practical guidance to the next generation.
Any professional over 18 can take part. It’s a great opportunity for you to share your experience and help prepare young people for work.
You do not require any training or a criminal records check as a teacher will always be present.
Sign up today in three simple steps.
CIPD research has found that there is currently a huge mismatch between employers and young people at the recruitment stage. Our report Employers are from Mars, young people are from Venus: addressing the young people/jobs mismatch highlighted the lack of careers advice and guidance in schools as one of core problems.
As part of this research, employers cited young people experiencing the following challenges:
As an outside professional volunteering in a school or college, you will help young people understand what employers are looking for, develop the skills and confidence to market themselves more effectively and ultimately find work.
The Education and Employers Taskforce have also found that young people who engage with employers at school are less likely to become a NEET (not in employment, education or training) later on. See more about the Education and Employers Taskforce research.
Listen to young people and volunteers share their personal experiences of the programme
Watch HR professionals share their tips and motivations for joining the initiative. Tips for delivering an Inspiring the Future Workshop - Neil Morrison, Group HR Director at Random House
Find out why you should volunteer via Inspiring the Future? - Alan MacKinnon, Director for Talent Acquisition, EMEA & APAC, at IHS
Give back to the profession, gain new skills and strengthen your CV
Support young people as they think about their careers and take their first steps into the workplace
Support the development of others by getting involved in one of our popular mentoring schemes