A few words from Paul Monk
(Founder Working Options)
“I remember so vividly as an 18 year old not having much idea of what was possible to achieve in life and have long wanted to help raise the ceiling of expectation for today's teenagers who find themselves in a similar situation. My parents were very supportive and encouraged me to do well at school but at that time no-one in our family had been to university.
Today the prospect of a perceived financial burden can decrease students and their families' desire for them to pursue a university education. Even before they have to decide between work or university many students arrive at VI Form with GCSE results that are below average and more importantly, behind what they are capable of. It is not too late where this is the case. I want to help as many VI Form students as we are able to realise what is possible in life and work hard to achieve better educational results and successful careers.
I have worked all my career in consumer products, mostly in The Grocery Trade and can wholeheartedly recommend it as an extremely varied and interesting sector to work in. As the biggest employer in The UK it offers a very broad range of careers and roles, recruits from a wide cross section of the community and is well recognised for promoting talent on merit.
This poem was written by a Luton Sixth Form College Student Reeon Wiltshire, who was inspired by our M&I Sessions and wrote this for a Luton Sixth Form based competition
“We all live and breathe the same air
So why is it that certain lives are unfair
Kids from estates with outstanding IQ's
With significant talent that never gets used
Life is a journey, some say a quest
To reach your objective requires your best
Money, success, following fashion
Can all be ignored as these are bi products of passion
Without my passion and drive correlation
I wouldn't be standing here in front of you giving this presentation
The will to progress is instilled in me
To constantly learn and be the best I can be
So why do I deserve this I hear you ask
The truth is we all deserve this that's why we were given the task
If unsuccessful I will have a positive reflection
Of being given the opportunity for the initial selection”
By Reeon Wiltshire
ABOUT WORKING OPTIONS
"1000% I have a more positive outlook in life after sixth form now"
Working Options exists to help young people aged 14-19 to create positive futures for themselves. And their ambition is to remove all barriers to social mobility across the UK, having a positive impact on equality, diversity, and inclusion.
They work with 10,000s of young people each year, in classrooms and online,, building their knowledge and skills to create positive futures for themselves. With plans to expand their impact to more people each year.
Their work, focused where it is needed the most, helps talented individuals to identify and nurture their capabilities, by providing information and inspiration about the possibilities for their education and careers, all free at the point of use, and directly helping schools with OFSTED and Gatsby interaction with employer targets.
By connecting young people and business through their national network of partner companies and industry volunteers, they deliver programmes that are transforming the lives of young people and the opportunities for business.
"Working Options, it just teaches us to really aim high up in the world, I didn't know what I wanted to do before but I do now"
SUPPORT THE FUTURE OF WORK
Realising untapped potential in the UK is critical for improving economic productivity. The benefits of Working Options programmes to individuals and our society are many – increased confidence, improved mental wellbeing, enhanced social mobility, and greater workforce diversity and inclusivity. Help drive that change by patterning with them.
YOU CAN CHANGE A YOUNG PERSON'S FUTURE
Volunteer.
Everyone’s journey can be inspiring. Share yours and help create vital lightbulb moments for young people. Working Options encourage their volunteers to share their personal stories, giving crucial inspiration to help the young people we work with see that ‘if they can do it, I can do it too’. Helping them to realise their talent at critical moments.
Contact us
To find out more about Working Options in Education, to book an insight from industry session for your school or college, volunteer as a speaker, offer work experience placements or to support us, visit www.workingoptions.org.uk