AO joins mentoring scheme for young people
Online electricals retailer AO has become one of 12 founding partners of the FastFutures programme which aims to increase employability for 18-22 year olds.
During the next three months, 11 AO employees will act as mentors and donate their time to offer advice and support to their assigned young person. The retailer has also committed to offering mock interviews with constructive feedback for 50 young people and in a second phase will give participants a ‘virtual ‘site visit’. This will offer the youngsters an insight into life at AO, introduce the business and focus on how AO uses data across the company.
James Warburton, learning specialist at AO and FastFutures mentor, said: “I remember making my first steps into the world of work and it certainly wasn’t easy. The uncertainty of the current job market is only going to add to the challenge of finding your first role. The FastFutures scheme will hopefully make it easier for the young people on the programme and I’m grateful for the opportunity to offer my support.”
The mentoring scheme will compliment AO’s wider recruitment campaign in which it is creating 650 new roles. AO said it hopes to consider the FastFutures participants for live vacancies at the company and provide opportunities for disadvantaged young people in the north west.
Vic Rodgers, chief people officer at AO, said: “I’m so pleased that AO is taking a leading role in the FastFutures programme and helping to create opportunities for the young people who need them the most. Digital and business skills are more vital than ever in the current working climate and we’re proud to offer a helping hand on the employment ladder.”
Due to there being a huge interest in the scheme, FastFutures is now planning for a second cohort with AO continuing to support the programme.
