Since 2013, the Barclays LifeSkills programme has been helping young people to build the confidence, knowledge and core transferable skills that employers are looking for, as well as improve money skills.

Between 2016 to 2022, the partnership between Barclays LifeSkills and BITC has supported more than 77,400 young people in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales. The programme supports this development in areas where young people face barriers to employment.

Over the next three years, through this renewed partnership, will enable BITC to reach a further 7,000 young people each in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales. BITC facilitators will work with teachers and Barclays volunteers to deliver face-to-face and virtual workshops on CV writing, networking, problem-solving, creativity, resilience, communication and online reputation management.

Sue Husband, director of delivery and impact at Business in the Community, said: “Leaving full-time education is never the end of learning, as many people will need essential skills such as writing a CV, networking or problem-solving to either gain employment or support themselves in the workplace. Barclays LifeSkills aims to give young people the skills they need before they leave school, so they have a head start in achieving what many of us had to learn on the job. The importance of supporting young people to learn essential skills and gain the confidence they need for the world of work can never be underestimated and BITC is delighted to be a part of this exceptional programme.”

Kirstie Mackey, managing director, Barclays LifeSkills, added: “We are delighted to renew our partnership with Business in the Community for a further three years. We are passionate about inspiring young people to develop the core transferable skills they need now and in the future, and I hope partnership will continue to boost both the confidence and employability skills of those who take part.”

A college student in Wales said: ‘‘I would rate the workshop presentation as really well structured. It helped me get a much better understanding on how money really works and how to live life after you leave education.”

A school teacher in Wales commented: “Pupils were engaged in discussions about their aspirations, what their future can and will look like. They have been challenged to think about potential opportunities and barriers they might face.”

A pupil in Scotland added: “I barely thought about communication and focused on skills and other things. Now I’ve acknowledged how communication is key among everything.” Pupil, S4, St Mungo’s RC Academy