Confidence and ISMM qualifications for NEET young people's group
A group of unemployed young people in Bedfordshire have not only improved their job prospects and their overall confidence levels but have achieved a professional business qualification as well.
- (1888PressRelease) June 25, 2011 - The young people - who were all 'not in education, employment or training' (NEETs) - were taking part in a three month long, part-time, course which was run by Eureka Youth CIC on behalf of Central Bedfordshire Council to help address the national and local issue of unemployment among young people.
In addition to using innovative teaching methods to improve the young people's employability skills - notably covering interview techniques, CV support, self-presentation and self-belief - the programme examined sales and customer service skills via the Institute of Sales and Marketing Management (ISMM)'s curriculum.
Moreover, all the participants in this NEET programme passed their nationally recognised ISMM Level 1 Sales Qualification. Topics covered in the qualification include the sales cycle; understanding consumer behaviour; understanding marketing, and developing customer services skills
Since completing the course and achieving their ISMM qualification, all of these young people have gone on to find work placements and - with Eureka's on-going support - are actively looking for full-time work or an apprenticeship. Two of them have also enrolled in further education courses.
One of the group, Kevin Tyler, aged 19, said: "I really try to make eye contact and listen to what people are saying now. I feel in control of my life!"
His colleague, Andy King, also aged 19, commented: "I know that, when I have my first interview, I'll feel so much more confident - and able."
And Curtis Taylor, 19, added: "I now find myself applying things that I've learned on the course in day-to-day life."
Denise Edens, the ISMM's Director of Education, who was on hand to watch the young people receive their ISMM certificates, commented: "It's great to see young people being prepared for a variety of different jobs as well as being encouraged to have more confidence in their day-to-day life - which should prove invaluable to them throughout their future careers. I'm sure that investing their time and effort in achieving ISMM qualifications should stand them in good stead in the world of work."
One of the guest speakers on the course - Ben Turner, the ISMM's National Sales Manager - said: "Research by the CBI has revealed that some 74 per cent of employers believe that school leavers lack business awareness and 50 per cent say that young people don't have the commercial skills that they need to survive in the business world.
"So the ISMM, which promotes sales excellence across UK businesses, was delighted to be able to help in this Eureka programme to enable young people to develop key, real world skills to ensure their future economic wellbeing."
A photograph of Denise Edens with these young people after they received their ISMM qualifications is available, on request from Bob Little Press & PR (tel +44 (0)1727 860405 or email bob.little ( @ ) boblittlepr dot com)
About Eureka
Eureka - based in St Albans, in Hertfordshire - is a dynamic social enterprise company specialising in delivering tailor made training courses for primary and secondary schools, along with councils, in financial literacy, enterprise capability and entrepreneurship education. All Eureka's programmes teach practical skills in managing money and preparing young people for jobs. In addition they raise students' self esteem, confidence, problem-solving ability, motivation and communication skills through challenging games and activities, teamwork and goal setting. For further details, visit: www.eurekaschools.co.uk, email kwhitehouse ( @ ) eurekaschools dot co dot uk or call 01727 850668 dot
About The Institute of Sales & Marketing Management
The Institute of Sales & Marketing Management (ISMM) is the UK's association for sales professionals. Founded in 1911 to promote standards of excellence in sales and sales management and to enhance the status and profile of sales as a profession, the ISMM supports, represents and promotes the sales profession. It has been the authoritative voice of selling and the custodian of sales standards, ethics and best practice for many years.
The ISMM is also responsible for establishing benchmarks of professionalism in sales. It is the only membership body recognised by the UK Government regulatory body Ofqual as an awarding organisation to offer qualifications in sales, marketing and sales management.
The ISMM's annual British Excellence in Sales & Marketing Awards (BESMA) are the most prestigious awards for the sales profession.
Further information from:
Ben Turner, ISMM, +44 (0)1582 840001; bturner ( @ ) ismm dot co.uk
Denise Edens, ISMM, +44 (0)1582 840001; dedens ( @ ) ismm dot co.uk
Bob Little, Bob Little Press & PR, +44 (0)1727 860405; bob.little ( @ ) boblittlepr dot com
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