L>R Paul Davies, Barclays; Kelan Syddall, Ashfield Boys School; Kieran Harding, Business in the Community; Matthew Edgar, Ashfield Boys School; Jo McColgan, Ashfield Boys School

• LifeSkills created with Barclays is a unique, free, curriculum-based resource for 11-24 year olds
• LifeSkills gives young people the opportunity to gain core transferable skills for the modern workplace
• Barclays facilitators and employees volunteer in post-primary schools and Further Education Colleges to support the delivery the programme.

With Business in the Community Northern Ireland supporting delivery in schools, LifeSkills is a unique, free, curriculum-based resource for 11-24 year olds that aims to inspire, educate and empower young people by giving them the opportunity to develop the employability skills needed when moving from education into the world of work.

Barclays Head of Corporate Banking in Northern Ireland, Adrian Doran said: “In the modern workplace, which is increasingly competitive, employers are often seeking attitude and aptitude above all else. Therefore, it is essential that young people are given the same opportunities to gain the core transferable skills sought by employers.”

He adds: “I’m delighted that we’ve been able to directly engage more than 21,000 young people over the past two years across Northern Ireland. Our focus with BITC Northern Ireland has been on working with the institutions and schools that have over 20% of their pupils registered to receive Free School Meals – ensuring we are making a difference where it is needed most. LifeSkills aims to teach young people transferrable skills that will help them in practical ways in the workplace.”

Through LifeSkills, Barclays facilitators and employees volunteer in post-primary schools and Further Education Colleges to support the delivery the programme. It focuses on helping young people to learn skills such as CV writing, interview techniques, networking, problem solving, creativity, resilience and communication.

Kieran Harding, Managing Director, Business in the Community NI said: “We are thrilled to be supporting LifeSkills and it’s fantastic that we’ve been able to reach so many pupils. The programme is making a real difference to young people across Northern Ireland, raising their aspirations and ambitions, and teaching them valuable skills.

Ashfield Boys’ High School, Belfast, was one of the schools to benefit from the LifeSkills programme. Year 8 pupil, Kelan Syddall said: “The LifeSkills lessons were fun and interactive and they’ve given me skills and confidence that will really help me develop my career. It’s been a great opportunity to get an insight into the world of work.”

For further information visit www.barclayslifeskills.com.