• Responsible business network Business in the Community Northern Ireland (BITC) is seeking to partner with an organisation to pilot a new virtual work placement initiative for people over 50
• According to recent government statistics, as many as 49.2% of the UK’s adult workforce were working from home in April 2020
• The virtual work placements are an opportunity for local businesses to give something back to their community and can help them identify potential talent, saving on recruitment costs.

According to recent government statistics, as many as 49.2% of the UK’s adult workforce were working from home in April 2020. With many jobs switching to a remote format, undertaking virtual work experience is a way of demonstrating to employers that jobseekers have the skill set needed to work efficiently from home.

Eamon Clarke, Age at Work Programme Executive, BITC said: “Work experience is a key element to the personal development, growth and confidence of any job seeker wishing to increase their employability by developing or honing the skills they need for today’s workplace. With employer supported virtual work placements, this group of people won’t lose out on important development opportunities because of restrictions around returning to the office or workplace.

“We are seeking partner organisations that can play a role in preparing and shaping the job seekers perception of work, helping them make informed choices about career paths and providing relevant experience to put on their CVs. It’s a great way for local businesses to give something back to their community and can help them identify potential talent, saving on recruitment costs.”

Participating organisations need to be able to facilitate remote-working and would work with a consultant to design a five-day virtual work placement for people over 50 that includes employability workshops, tasks and induction sessions.

Eamon said, “This five-day placement will provide participants with an introduction to the business they may choose to apply within, enables them to gain experience and insights into certain sectors, see everyday business activity, highlight their skills set, and gives them the digital skills essential for so many of the roles currently available.”

The virtual work placement is an initiative organised as part of BITC’s Age at Work project, in partnership with Age NI and funded by the National Lottery Community Fund, which aims to support employers to recruit, retrain and retain older workers, enabling them to remain or return to work.

If your organisation is interested in participating in the virtual work placement, please contact Eamon.clarke@bitcni.org.uk.