Elevating Careers: Beyond Just Getting People Hired

Getting People into Work is Only Half the Battle

Let’s start with a bold statement: getting people into work is just the beginning. It’s vital, of course, but we can’t stop there. If we truly want to make an impact, we need to focus on job progression. It’s all about elevating individuals to rise through the ranks, and this isn’t just a nice idea—it’s an essential part of strengthening our entire labour market.

The First Step: Employment

The journey starts with finding people a job. Numerous initiatives and organisations are doing commendable work to get folks into employment. We should celebrate these efforts because they provide a lifeline for many individuals. Landing that first job can be a game-changer, opening doors to opportunities that seemed unreachable.

However, let’s not kid ourselves. Landing a job is only half the equation; we need to think bigger. We must help people climb the career ladder instead of watching them stagnate in entry-level positions. After all, who wants to be stuck in the same role for years on end? Not me, that’s for sure.

Opportunities for Skill Development

This is where our skills programmes, such as apprenticeships and bootcamps, come into play. These initiatives do more than help someone get their foot in the door. They are crucial for building confidence and equipping individuals with the skills they need to advance. Aren’t we all fascinated by the idea of learning something new and moving forward in our careers?

When we invest in skill development, we reap benefits that are felt across the entire spectrum: individuals, government, and future job seekers. Let’s break it down.

• For the individual: Imagine the feeling of being able to command a higher salary or enjoying a more fulfilling role. It’s not just about financial gain; it’s about overall quality of life.
• For the government: When people progress, the chances of them slipping back into unemployment decrease significantly. This means fewer resources spent on re-engaging the workforce.
• For the next job seeker: When one person climbs up the ladder, it opens up that entry-level position for someone else. It’s a continuous cycle of progression that strengthens our economy.

The Ripple Effect of Progression

At City Skills, I’ve witnessed the ripple effect of this strategy time and again. As individuals step into higher-level roles, they leave behind entry positions ready for others. It creates an upward momentum that benefits everyone involved. It’s a beautiful cycle of give-and-take that pushes our workforce forward.

There’s a sense of community in watching someone grow from a new recruit to a skilled professional. I often think of my own journey. I started with a single idea and a lot of ambition. It wasn’t an easy path, but the skills I developed along the way enabled me to grow and adapt. That’s the opportunity we need to create for others.

Working Together for a Better Future

When we align employment and skills policies, the potential is immense. But we must ensure they work in harmony to reach as many people as possible. What might that look like? Collaborative efforts between businesses, educational institutions, and community organisations can create more robust support systems. It’s not just the responsibility of one entity; it’s a collective endeavour.

So, what do you think? What strategies do you feel are most effective for fostering upward progression in the workplace? Are we doing enough to support not just getting people hired but enabling them to thrive?

Let’s keep the conversation going and explore how we can elevate our workforce together. Every upward step matters, and every individual counts. Share your thoughts below—let’s inspire change!

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