Too many young people from disadvantaged backgrounds do not fulfill their potential. They are not less able, and they are not less aspirational – but they often lack access to the support and opportunities of their more privileged peers.
That’s why Crawford is proud to have recently partnered with Future Frontiers, a program of face-to-face career coaching to help young people discover and explore inspiring careers.
Crawford employees coached pupils from Harris Academy Rainham in the London Borough of Havering one-on-one for a total of six hours over a period of four weeks. The partnership was a great success, generating tangible results for the students.
Surveyed before the coaching started, only 31 percent of the pupils involved agreed with the statement “I can choose a career that will allow me to live the life I want to lead”. Once the coaching had finished, that number had more than doubled, with 69 percent of pupils confident in their ability to choose such a career.
“Please do not underestimate the difference volunteers like you [the Crawford coaches] make to the lives of our young people,” Future Frontiers Chief Executive Dominic Baker said. “You have opened their eyes to new opportunities and given them the insight, information and self-belief they need to take the first steps towards making their goals a reality. From all of us at Future Frontiers, thank you.”
Each of the five Crawford coaches also found the experience highly rewarding. “I’m grateful to have been involved in the program and proud of Crawford for supporting these young people at a critical point in their lives,” said Jacinta Jones, head of broker development, at Crawford. “It actively demonstrates our commitment to tackling social mobility.”
Maxine Salmon, HR business partner, Crawford, said the program was one of the best initiatives she has been involved with in her working career. “The trust the young person who I was assigned to showed in allowing me to help and support them with their career pathway has made the experience so worthwhile. I have absolutely loved the whole journey.”
Over the next two years, all the young people coached by Crawford will continue to be supported through a variety of activities by Future Frontiers. They will, for example, get the support they need on GCSE results day to help them navigate any last-minute decisions and secure their next steps in education or training.
“We recognize that our success is closely linked to the communities in which we live and work, and we are constantly looking for opportunities to make a difference,”
says Lisa Bartlett, president of UK and Ireland, Crawford.
“That is why we are proud to have worked with Future Frontiers, guiding the next generation onto their desired choices. Thank you to everyone at Crawford who took part. You have made a significant and positive impact on the future path of the next generation which will last a long time.”
To get involved with Future Frontiers, visit their website for more information.
