#YouthEmpowered: New initiative gives young people the skills they need to succeed

Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company launched #YouthEmpowered for provide the younger generation with essential business and life skills. Here we examine what the program entails.

What is #YouthEmpowered?

As a business, Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company (HBC) consistently demonstrates its commitment to communities. Utilizing its market position for the greater good, Coca-Cola HBC, Coca-Cola Company's main bottling partner, leverages its status and funds to support worthwhile causes around the world.

Coca-Cola HBC has set up a centralized program to help young people in Ireland and Northern Ireland realize their potential. #YouthEmpowered is a program designed to help young people (18 to 30 years old) who are not currently in training, employment or training (NEET). With 460 young beneficiaries of the program last year, #YouthEmpowered will reach its full development in 2018, 750 young people should benefit from the training through in-person workshops and a new digital center that gives free access to online training .

What better way to improve lives than to foster a sense of positivity, self-confidence and resilience in the next generation?

Fighting Youth Unemployment – A View from Above

First Ireland was shaken by the recession and then by the mbad exodus of talented workers to distant shores. Those who remained survived the economic recovery with a spirit of enterprise, but a seed of unemployment was planted. And though it is true that in 2018 the Irish economy is not only stable but thriving, the problem of youth unemployment persists.

Across the country, the unemployment rate is falling, GDP is rising, and new start-ups are thriving. Foreign investors are once again studying our small emerald island with a keen commercial interest. In this context of exponential economic growth, the problem of youth unemployment seems to be an anomaly. However, about one in ten young people in Ireland are currently unemployed

Speaking of the current situation of unemployment and the need for #YouthEmpowered to shake up these disastrous statistics, Matthieu Seguin, CEO of Coca-Cola HBC Ireland and Ireland North was full of hope for the future. "As business leaders, we have a special responsibility to ensure that the society in which we operate is sustainable and prosperous for all," he said. "Coca-Cola HBC pbadionately believes in the potential of all young people as future leaders and actors of community change."

Youth unemployment can be caused by a variety of factors – from the cycle of low scores and low expectations in disadvantaged areas with lack of skills and hysteresis (the phenomenon that unemployment leads to more unemployment).

#YouthEmpowered is committed to restoring the balance of employment and to to give young people the property of their dreams. "With YYouthEmpowered 2018, 750 young people will have the opportunity to unleash their potential through professional training and professional mentoring," says Matthieu Seguin. "I am confident we can give our young people the means to succeed. "

Fostering Resilience and Self-Confidence in our Youth

Being young is a confusing time. "Do you know who you are? What do you want to do with your life? And, once you understand it, how do you find someone to hire you?"

There is a feeling that today's youth is at a crossroads – but rather than four forks on the road there is a network of spiraling paths in every direction. Many young people are paralyzed not by their lack of capacity, but by their lack of direction.

#YouthEmpowered inspires young people to see the blank canvas of their professional lives as an exciting opportunity rather than a discouraging prospect; equip them with the necessary social skills to face any challenge.

As Matthieu Seguin says: "During my career, I have experienced many setbacks and obstacles. The first day, as a sales representative, I failed to reach my goals and I really struggled to get acquainted with the role. After this initial hurdle, I learned to adapt and started to develop confidence in my abilities. Gradually, I learned to sell and in a few weeks, I exceeded my goals. Now, several years later, I continue to sell and I still learn! The life lesson here is the power of resilience and self-confidence. We hope that thanks to the #YouthEmpowered program, we will pbad on these values ​​and skills to the next generation. "

In addition to the 30 workshops held across the country in partnership with the training organization FIT and YouthAction Northern Ireland, this year #YouthEmpowered will reach a new cohort of young people via a new digital center, which offers a Easy training for young people on their time and on their terms.

Coca-Cola HBC also frees its own employees to become mentors for those involved in the course.By using the proven mentoring model, these youth coaches will be on hand to offer advice and guidance to those who want to succeed, online and at workshops.

Matthew continues: "Being" employable "is much more than academic credentials or experience. Yes, this is important, but so is self-confidence, work ethic, motivation, pride, networking, the ability to learn from mistakes. With #Yo uthEmpowered, we hope to give young people the basic skills they need to transition to meaningful employment – while building a sustainable peer network. This is a stepping stone for those who, for whatever reason, have been left behind. "

Interested in the program?

Do you know anyone who could benefit from participating in this program? Or maybe you are currently fighting to find work and are struggling with the thinking of qualifications. If you are ready to begin a journey of personal development and take the first steps towards a career, then sign up for free training on youthempowered.ie

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