Employability skills strengthened thanks to expert volunteers
Grand Union BID has facilitated two unique employability sessions in partnership with Paddington Development Trust (PDT) and Westminster City Council’s Youth Employability Team.
As part of a programme of events for Black History Month, five colleagues from Vodafone’s Black Professional Network ran an engaging interview skills session for local residents on 14 October. The 15 Westminster residents who attended are part of PDT’s SWEET Project – supporting women from black and ethnic minorities into employment, enterprise and training.
The sessions comprised a workshop offering tips and tricks on how to present your best self at interview, an introduction to the STAR interview technique and then short mock interviews; where participants received immediate, tailored feedback.
Mock interviews were turned on their head on Tuesday 4 November, when six colleagues from Marks & Spencer’s ESG team led a reverse mock interview session. Rather than the job seekers answering questions, it was the M&S colleagues who were put through their paces. The event was attended by six young people, all working with the Council’s employability team. Attendees received one-to-one CV support and had the opportunity to hear volunteers model interview answers using the STAR method.
Participating in the reverse mock interview session was an invaluable experience for our young people from North Paddington wards. This collaboration provided them with not only essential interview skills but also a boost in their confidence and a glimpse into potential career paths. We are grateful for the opportunity to work together and look forward to future collaborations with the Grand Union Bid and the staff at M&S Head Office.
In 2026, we will be looking to grow our strategic volunteering programmes. Utilisng expert volunteering hours to support students and job seekers with developing transferable skills for the workplace will be a particular priority.
To kick-start the year we’ll be supporting careers events at King Solomon Academy throughout January and February. There are plenty of ways to get involved, from attending speed networking events, to delivering assemblies and hosting careers workshops.
Please contact our Community Team for more information about how you can make a difference.