YOUNG people across Essex are invited to join the We Rise Business Mentoring Programme, helping 16–25-year-olds gain insight into the world of work, raise aspirations and develop employability skills with top employers.

We Rise is a youth movement led by young people, for young people, with support from Essex County Council.

The mentoring programme was developed in response to feedback from We Rise members, who identified the need for ongoing support, a better understanding of the labour market and opportunities to build confidence.

The mentoring programme is part of the Essex Year of Opportunity, a £1.33 million campaign by the county council which creates projects and partnerships to remove barriers to essential skills for all ages.

In partnership with local and global employers, such as c2c Rail and Microsoft, the programme now has 50 mentors signed up, and 30 young people have already taken part.

Participants are matched with mentors who offer tailored support, including:

• insights into different industries
• career advice and CV support
• interview preparation
• personal development

Amaia, mentee and We Rise member, said: “When I first heard about We Rise, I knew it would be a great way to gain experience and be part of something that truly supports young people. My mentor, Alice, gave me everything from interview tips to personal advice – and even connected me with professionals in communications, which helped me figure out the career path I want to follow.”

Alice Shimali, Head of Communications at c2c Rail and Amaia’s mentor, said: “I’ve been proud to take part in this important programme and support Amaia as she navigated the next steps in her communications career. A real highlight was her becoming the first person on her university course to secure an internship for her placement year, demonstrating her unwavering drive to succeed and develop.

“At c2c Rail we want to support the next generation of talent in our communities, both in the rail industry and beyond, so We Rise is a programme we are proud to support.”

Councillor Tony Ball, Cabinet Member for Education Excellence, Lifelong Learning and Employability, said: “We Rise’s fantastic mentoring programme provides an essential connection between young people and employers – helping them build confidence, skills and ambition. This is exactly what our Essex Year of Opportunity campaign is all about: opening doors to careers which young people may not have considered or felt were within reach.

“I want to thank the employers who are serving as mentors so young people can gain real insight into the world of work.”

Councillor Louise McKinlay, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Communities, Economic Growth and Prosperity, said: “I’m pleased to see major employers like c2c Rail providing invaluable opportunities through the We Rise Business Mentoring Programme. Getting on the career ladder can be daunting and this level of support can make a real difference.

“I strongly encourage young Essex residents aged 16 to 25 to join the programme and start developing their skills for employment with expert guidance.”

Young people aged 16-25 in Essex can now sign up to join the programme and be matched with a dedicated mentor.

Find out more and register at www.essexopportunities.co.uk/we-rise/