Graduates on road to employment after Workpath training

Students from Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) were put through their paces with a three day Workpath pilot programme starting on 30 September designed to prepare them for the world of work.

The programme saw students brushing up on their interview techniques and discussing ways to approach job applications.

John Biggs, Mayor of Tower Hamlets, said: “Tower Hamlets is home to a tremendously diverse range of business but our residents sometimes feel like opportunities are out of reach. Our Workpath programme helps young people gain invaluable skills and connections that will give them the best possible chance of success when seeking employment.”

WorkPath is a unique employment service for all Tower Hamlets residents, providing support for people at all levels of work, skill or experience. Since April 2018, the team has worked with partners across the borough to provide vital support to well over a thousand people.

Councillor Motin Uz-Zaman, Cabinet Member for Work and Economic Growth, congratulated students at an event at the university on Wednesday, before handing out certificates to graduates involved in the pilot.

Cllr Uz-Zaman said: “We are proud to be home to Queen Mary University and as a council, we are working in partnership together to help bridge the gap between university and the workplace. It was great to meet the students who we are providing interview training to and see them fulfilling their potential.”

Representatives from companies including Gemcorp, Nest Corporation and Mazars were quizzed by students on Wednesday in a question and answer session at the university.

QMUL graduate Habbiba Arthur, 21, said: “The opportunities provided by Workpath have provided us with real life experiences for interviews and a lot of really helpful constructive criticism during the workshops. Working with professionals in the borough has been amazing, particularly as I have grown up and lived in Tower Hamlets all my life. I feel like I have come away a stronger employable candidate”

The team also has drop-in sessions at the WorkPath employment centre every Tuesday and Thursday, 10am to 4pm at Tower Hamlets Skills and Employment Centre