Aberdeen Asset Management, the global asset management group, have announced their support to 2 charities in an initiative that will see unemployed young people develop their confidence and make the move into sustained employment.
The project will see the piloting of a Confidence Masterclass for 12 young people, aged 16 to 24, to build on current skills and lead to sustainable employment.
Aberdeen Asset Management will be funding the collaboration between Cowes-based UKSA and Street League to benefit the 12 young people after donating the money raised from a sale of Cowes Week merchandise in their UK offices – having previously been sponsor of the famous regatta for 6 years.
Matt Stevenson-Dodd, Chief Executive of Street League said:
“The 12 participants come from a variety of backgrounds and are seeking to move into work, education or training. They are taking part in Street League’s sport and employability academy that helps them gain qualifications, develop the skills and gain the experience needed to enter the workplace.
“We know that getting a job is one thing but helping a young person to sustain that job or progress in their career is really important and confidence is a big part of that. We are delighted to be working in partnership with UKSA on this programme.”
UKSA will offer the young people valuable time spent on the water at their base in Cowes, where they will learn basic sailing skills, try a variety of watersports and spend time in confidence building workshops. The workshops will reflect the Aberdeen values of: quality, ambition, teamwork, integrity and challenge.
Ben Willows, UKSA CEO said:
“Over a quarter of all young people say that a lack of confidence in their own abilities is preventing them from reaching their potential. UKSA’s Sea. Change programmes exist to enable young people to increase self-belief, confidence and through this transform their lives. We look forward to seeing the participants develop their self-confidence and build on the skills gained through their Street League course.”
The Confidence Masterclass was launched at events in London and Birmingham and saw the young people meet with Aberdeen Asset Management staff to discuss the benefits of the programme.
The young people will take part in the 5-day Confidence Masterclass at UKSA in April. Following the conclusion of the course the participants have been invited to the Aberdeen Asset Management office in London on the 20th April where they will meet with Aberdeen team members and attend an awards ceremony celebrating the young people’s achievements.
Antonia Stirling, Head of Corporate Stewardship at Aberdeen Asset Management said:
“Here at Aberdeen we encourage employees to support our charitable projects and it is great that we have been able to support this masterclass with UKSA and Street League through a staff sale. We are committed to recruiting talented and motivated individuals from the widest pool of talent so who knows; hopefully some of these youngsters will go on to become the investment stars of the future.”
