When the email landed in my inbox, I thought it might be a scam. I’m so wary of unsolicited correspondence these days, that even the most well-intentioned invitation is viewed with suspicion.
But after double checking its authenticity, I realised the message was a genuine ray of sunshine in what has been a stormy twelve months for us all. The email informed me that I’d been nominated for the grand title of Female Innovator of the Year and online voting is now underway.
I’m not entirely sure who nominated me, but their official submission recognised how I’d adapted my professional ethics to help the employment prospects of young people adversely affected by the pandemic.
Social Enterprise
Don’t get me wrong, it’s not something I’ve deliberately sought plaudits for. But as a former youth worker, helping young people into jobs is something I feel passionately about. During the first lockdown, I set up Nomad HR and Recruitment as a social enterprise, with the aim of giving something back to the communities I work with.
More specifically, it’s about making a difference to the lives of those who need a helping hand. People like Jack (not his real name) who was homeless. Working with other support organisations, I helped him get a CV together after he secured an address and we worked to together to get his National Insurance number so he could then apply to potential employers and, with the right support and guidance, he has now started a new job.
A lack of money can be an obstacle for someone who hasn’t started earning but needs that extra bit of help to take the first step on the employment ladder. With this issue in mind, I paid the security bond that a young man needed for a house. He hadn't worked in a while and needed a job to find a flat, but needed money to secure the accommodation.
I've created a support fund with a local homeless charity to help pay for items which are a barrier to employment. This money will assist young people with the practical help needed to secure a job, such as paying for interview clothes, safety boots or a bus pass or bike to get to work until the first wage slip arrives.
Job Mentor
Over the last twelve months I have helped many young people find jobs. That has involved building meaningful relationships with them, understanding their situations and how they view the world.
As well as being a Trustee of a charity that supports young people, I also offer my time and experience to be a mentor at two local job centres. I believe it’s important to pass on essential skills like CV writing, advice on interview techniques and local knowledge of where to apply for a job.
I can also act as a signpost (my acting skills know no bounds!). Just recently I’ve guided two other young people onto programmes run by the Prince’s Trust, which will steer them on the road to employment or help them set up their own business.
Community Interest
At a time when many people have faced difficulties and challenges we could never have envisaged, to be nominated for Female Innovator of the Year still seems unbelievable, but in a positive way.
The Innovation Awards are organised by a community interest company in the West Midlands called the Technology Supply Chain. It works with local businesses and a number of universities to help local firms innovate and grow.
It’s great to be in the initial list of ten candidates to be nominated. But it would be even better to make it into the final shortlist of four. Public voting is now open and closes on Friday 30th April.
VOTE HERE: #vote4Amy
