On 10th August ICS is holding a Youth Employability and Skills (YES) event for UK-based Alumni. Of course, we think an event for young people, should be designed and run by young people – that’s why we have the Youth Steering group. Motivated by their ICS experience and passions for youth employability, these seven Alumni have been working hard to bring you an exciting day. We caught up with them to hear more.
Youth Day events aim to inspire young people to tackle global issues they are passionate about.
ALISON LYDON
Volunteered in Nigeria in 2016
Alison volunteered with VSO in Nigeria, 2016
Since returning from ICS I’ve worked with youth, engaging them in education projects and supporting with skills development so it’s really exciting to be able to connect with other ICS alumni and work on a similar project.
ICS have a fantastic network of Alumni who have so much potential to positively impact this world. Youth employability is something that will affect the majority of us in some way or another, so it’ll be great to see so many ICS Alumni come together to collectively tackle the issue. I really do believe networking is one key aspect to tackling the job market, that’s why we’ve organised some great speakers and invited organisations to the event.
ICS volunteer Alison
© Molly Cliff
ICS volunteer Molly
Molly volunteered with VSO in Bangladesh, 2018
ICS not only boosted my confidence but also helped develop my skills more than I could imagine. When you return from ICS, it’s very easy to get a bit lost in the job market. Although the opportunities are there, often young people don’t know where to seek support and guidance or don’t know how to position their skills and experiences to pursue their dream role. That’s why I’m so excited to be part of this year’s event. Not only am I working with other ICS Alumni on a topic I’m passionate about, but the opportunity to organise such a relevant, fun and inclusive event is great.
‘‘It’s no lie that young people are finding the employment market increasingly difficult. There’s often a lack of guidance around employability and future options, and what young people can do to access these opportunities.’’
KASI ALLAN - ICS VOLUNTEER
Volunteered in Tanzania, 2016
Kasi volunteered with Raleigh in Tanzania, 2016
When I saw the theme of this event was something I’m passionate about, I knew I wanted to be involved, so I can continue to work with ICS Alumni to harness the skills and opportunities we deserve. I learnt a lot at last year’s event in Birmingham. This year, there will be a mix of practical skills and lessons to take away, as well as inspirational stories and opportunities you to get involved and ask lots of questions. So, I’m really hoping other ICS Alumni can leave this event feeling as motivated as I did last year!
ICS volunteer Kasi
Young people play such a vital role in tackling global challenges within our own communities and the wider world
VANESSA CATTERALL
Volunteered in Tanzania, 2018
Vanessa volunteered with Raleigh in Tanzania, 2018
ICS taught me that my actions can make a difference on a bigger scale, which motivated me to be involved in this year’s event. I was shocked to hear that young people are three times more likely to be unemployed than adults. But without addressing youth employability we won’t be able to harness the potential of young people around the world.
This event is a great opportunity to meet other ICS Alumni and network with like-minded people who are motivated to make a difference. I’m really excited to be at the heart of organising it and work with the Youth Steering Group to combine our ideas and inspire more young people to make a change!
© Vanessa Catterall
ICS volunteer Vanessa on placement in Tanzania
Vanessa volunteered with Raleigh in Tanzania, 2018
Young people play such a vital role in tackling global challenges within our own communities and the wider world. ICS taught me that my actions can make a difference on a bigger scale, which motivated me to be involved in this year’s event. I was shocked to hear that young people are three times more likely to be unemployed than adults. But without addressing youth employability we won’t be able to harness the potential of young people around the world.
This event is a great opportunity to meet other ICS Alumni and network with like-minded people who are motivated to make a difference. I’m really excited to be at the heart of organising it and work with the Youth Steering Group to combine our ideas and inspire more young people to make a change!
© Shonese Howell
ICS volunteer Shonese
Shonese volunteered with VSO in Kenya, 2018
My passion for sharing knowledge and helping others to develop their skills combined with my love for organising events and bringing people together in stimulating environments, motivated me to join this year’s YSG.
The YSG and I have been working on a lot of exciting things for this event. We are looking at some pretty impressive speakers and are in the process of arranging interactive workshops which I’m excited about. ICS Alumni are going to get a lot out of this year’s event. Youth Day event's are designed to empower and support young people!
As a young person myself, I understand employers are looking for people with experience and skills, which makes it difficult to break into a career without that initial opportunity. If this continues then we’ll will be stuck in an unemployment loop, unable to develop their skills and experience in relevant areas.
© Chanel Goodman
''I’m currently helping co-create a new engineering university which is focusing upon equipping students with key employability skills.''
Chanel volunteered with VSO in Bangladesh, 2018
My work is focused on the issue of youth employability, so when I heard the theme of this year’s event, I was quick to apply. I knew I wanted to be involved. The opportunity to engage more young people with the issue and ensure they are supported in getting the skills needed for employment is vital. That’s why I’m excited for this event, there’s a lot of opportunity to learn from it.
I also think ICS youth events are a great way to re-engage with the programme once a year, switch off from employment and university worries and just reminisce about your placement with fellow teammates and meet other like-minded ICS alumni. Not only that, you’ll also come away feeling empowered to take on the employment market!
© Beth FB
'My advice for other alumni would be to just make the most out of every opportunity, you never know what might come of it.''
Beth volunteered with Y Care in Togo, 2017
Being on this year’s Youth Steering Group has been a great way to stay involved with ICS and connect with other Alumni. I’m really enjoying all the planning aspects of this year’s event. It’s shaping to be such an empowering and insightful day.
There’s no doubt, youth employability is going to impact us all at some stage in our career. The event is a great place to start really investing in yourself, we have such an exciting day from industry professionals, opportunities for skill development, tips and advice regarding careers and networking opportunities. If nothing else, you’ll get to catch up with other ICS Alumni and hear their stories post placement!
Blog Written by-Jane Dustan