19.11.2008
Standard Life's workshops for schools are "investment in the future"
Standard Life's workshops for schools received special recognition at the Scottish Financial Enterprise (SFE) Innovators Awards on 13 November. Aimed at teenagers, disadvantaged groups and the unemployed, Step Up In Life is a series of workshops and booklets on completing job applications, undergoing interviews and preparing for the world of work - all developed with the involvement of the students themselves.
The Special Award for Investment in the Future was created by the SFE judges in recognition of an innovation that reaches outside the company itself, focusing on helping prepare and encourage young people for work.
Standard Life's head of Corporate Responsibility, Andrew Marshall-Roberts said, "This award is wonderful news - not just for all of us at Standard Life, but for all the students and teachers who worked so hard in helping us create Step Up In Life."
Standard Life has been running workshops to help young people make the transition from school to work on an ad-hoc basis since 1996, winning various awards along the way. But by 2005, changes in education policy meant that the company needed to review the programme. There was also a desire to increase employee engagement with schools, and to have students more involved with the programme to keep it fresh and up to date.
The company conducted an extensive review, taking into account national and local government policy, and feedback from small businesses, teachers and students themselves. Students were invited into Standard Life's head office in Edinburgh, and given the opportunity to present their own redesigned versions of the workshops to their peers, teachers and Standard Life facilitators. The result was a revamped programme of interactive workshops looking at things from the employer's view instead of the applicant's - exactly what the students asked for. Student feedback was also used to create the accompanying booklets, and final year photography students were commissioned to produce the images.
Students were further involved in reviewing the methods for recruitment and vetting of volunteer facilitators for the workshops. Within Standard Life, being a facilitator is seen as a key means of motivation and development, as thorough training is given, and skills can be utilised back in the workplace. The facilitators themselves say they have experienced increased confidence, enthusiasm and job satisfaction, thus contributing to overall staff engagement.
The programme was relaunched at an event held in Standard Life House, at which students received work experience in operating camera, sound or lighting equipment, or starring in the DVD that was produced to record the whole review process.
Media enquiries please contact:
Lesley Davidson, PR Consultant
Standard Life Assurance Limited
Direct: 0131 245 6087
Mobile: 0773 497 4190
Email: lesley_f_davidson@standardlife.com
Notes to Editors
- Standard Life Assurance Limited is recognised for the high quality of its customer service, in particular for providing a service that is consistent, reliable and responsive. Standard Life received recognition for this in 2007 when the company was voted a 5 star Life and Pensions Provider at the Financial Adviser Service Awards for the 12th year running. Standard Life has been voted Money Marketing Company of the Year in nine of the last ten years