Spotlight on... West Library youth employment hub

Our team will support anyone, even if you’re already working or in college. Part of my role links with City and Islington College. If you are worried about getting chucked off your course, for example, we can support you to avoid that.

We help young people from the beginning till the very end. If someone decided to do an apprenticeship, for example, we can show them where to look, help them write a good application, and give them lots of different ideas. If they do get an interview, we can support them with prep, then if they don’t get the place we’ll encourage them to get feedback, so they’ll know what to do for next time.

Can you give an example of a success story?

Progression adviser Maureen Lake on helping young people find the right career path

What does your role involve?

I am a careers adviser for young people: mainly those who are not in education, employment or training. I talk them through the main options after their GCSEs, so college, apprenticeships or employment.

The hub is just one of my bases: I also work in schools, youth centres and at 222 Upper

Street. We’re spread across the borough, so that young people can access us at lots of different places.

What is the youth employment hub, in a nutshell?

It’s a space where young people can feel comfortable. They have access to computers, to make applications, or to our team if they want to speak to us. We have group sessions or we can do one-to-ones with people.

What services does it offer?

When Chiara left school last year, she wasn’t given any careers guidance. She started a course at City and Islington doing health and social care but unfortunately, she ended up dropping out. She came to see me for some advice, and she’s now passed her entry level maths and English with the help of our tutors. She said it’s the first time she’s ever felt proud of herself.

Chiara told me that she likes that we listen to her and what she wants, rather than telling her what to do. We don’t force it: when they’re ready, we’re ready to help.

To find out more about what’s happening at the hub, email: youthemploymentteam@ islington.gov.uk