The issue

Coca-Cola’s innovative programme looks at developing the business and life skills of those young people who have little to no qualifications, and are struggling to enter the labour market.

What Coca-Cola HBC did

This project was designed to inspire and raise the aspirations of young people, by giving them access to the ‘life skills’ and ‘business skills’, that employers like Coca-Cola HBC look for in prospective job candidates.

The ‘Life Skills’ module focused on improving self-knowledge and confidence, whilst the ‘Business Skills’ modules covered key competencies including; project management, time management, business skills, financial literacy, sales skills and negotiation.

The modules were delivered in a fun and interactive way which saw the young people creating their own companies, brand and pitching their ideas to their peers. Coca-Cola HBC employees also provided hours of coaching and support to the young trainees with core employability skills such as interview techniques and CV writing.

The young people were excited to get the chance to work with such an established company and hear first-hand about the range of jobs on offer within Coca-Cola HBC.

One young person commented: “It was brilliant to get the chance to do this programme, I never thought I would ever stand up and do a presentation in front of people, I have learned a lot from the session and I loved that we got presents from Coca-Cola.”

Speaking about the programme Gillian Shields, Community Affairs Manager said: “Coca-Cola HBC passionately believes in the potential of young people as leaders and community change makers. As a leading employer across Ireland and Northern Ireland, we have a responsibility to ensure that the society in which we operate is sustainable and prosperous for all. While the majority of young people leaving school today are well placed to secure employment, many require further support to help them transition from education to the working world. With the help of Business in the Community more than 100 young people have benefited from the training offered through the #YouthEmpowered programme and we hope they use this as a stepping stone towards a brighter future.”