Entrepreneurs Aimee Connolly, Kyle Gawley and former Navy Captain Marie Gleeson among the experts helping graduates to fast-track career prospects
Free webinar series and mentoring begins at gradireland’s virtual Summer Fair
As nearly 70,000 students prepare to graduate into a highly diverse and competitive jobs market, Coca-Cola HBC announced details of its 2021 #YouthEmpowered programme.
Designed by students, for students, the 2021 #YouthEmpowered programme will help participants across the island of Ireland stand out in the competitive post-pandemic jobs market. Having conducted research in partnership with CEMs students at UCD Smurfit School, the global alliance in management education, Coca-Cola HBC has sought to understand what employers were seeking in future talent, and crucially how young people wanted to learn and access career support, in today’s more virtual world.
An initial virtual graduate fair will be followed by a free webinar series, hosted by renowned industry specialists and some of the country’s largest employers. Self-guided e-learning modules are also available to access for free as part of this year’s special 5th anniversary programme
This year’s #YouthEmpowered programme will also give registered attendees access to one-to-one career guidance and mentorship, delivered by a network of Coca-Cola HBC professionals from various business disciplines, including Marketing, Public Affairs and Communications, Human Resources, Sales and Supply Chain.
Commenting at the launch, Coca-Cola HBC General Manager Miles Karemacher said: “As we realise the long-term impact the ongoing global pandemic, it is evident that young people remain particularly impacted and could feel the effects on their careers for years to come.
“We’ve, therefore, turned our focus to the development and delivery of tailored career supports that will help young people and recent graduates to realise their full potential – encouraging them to ‘Discover their Secret Ingredient’ and stand out in this competitive environment.
“In partnership with UCD and CEMs, we conducted research to understand how we could make a real difference for young people on this journey, listening to their preference for education and training, but also uncovering a demand from leading employers for ‘soft skills’ in new and future talent.
“Our 2021 #YouthEmpowered programme will respond to these needs with e-modules, mentoring, skills days and webinar series with renowned experts and leaders in their fields.”
Leading industry experts participating in the first webinar on Wednesday 23rd June include 2021 EY Entrepreneur of the Year finalist Aimee Connolly, former Irish Navy Captain and motivational speaker Marie Gleeson, and Belfast-born tech entrepreneur and author Kyle Gawley.
Students, graduates and job seekers can register their attendance and book their one-to-one careers mentorship session at gradireland.com.
Commenting on her involvement in this year’s #YouthEmpowered programme, ‘Sculpted by Aimee’ founder Aimee Connolly said: “I’m delighted to be joining the #YouthEmpowered webinar panel, giving graduates an insight into my journey. Starting off your career can be challenging but understanding your passions and your unique selling points can really give you the confidence to stand-out from the crowd.
“I worked hard to develop my craft and understand the chemistry of the beauty industry, but it was the soft skills I developed, like communication, networking and negotiation skills, that ultimately helped me to grow ‘Sculpted by Aimee’ into the international brand it is today.”
Key elements the 2021 #YouthEmpowered Programme include:
- gradireland Summer Fair – 16th June
Join the #YouthEmpowered Discovery Lounge at gradireland’s virtual Summer Fair – students can register for free at summergradfair.ie
- #YouthEmpowered Webinar 1: Discover Your Secret Ingredient! 23rd June
Kick-start your career journey by understanding who you are and what you love to do - a panel discussion with Aimee Connolly, Marie Gleeson and Kyle Gawley. Register via summergradfair.ie
- #YouthEmpowered Webinar 2: Advice from the Top – August
Coca-Cola HBC’s senior management team share an insight into their career journeys. Register via gradireland.com.
- #YouthEmpowered Webinar 3: What Employers Want – September Leading employers from across Ireland and Northern Ireland share an insight into how candidates can stand out from the crowd. Register via gradireland.com.
- Ongoing Support:
- Coca-Cola HBC’s #YouthEmowered e-learning modules are free via ie.coca-colahellenic.com.
- Newsletters with job opportunities, guidance and career stories will also be shared with all those registered to gradireland.
- Skills Days – September & October
Coca-Cola HBC partner with a range of colleges through ‘real-world’ projects, job shadowing opportunities and mentoring, culminating in a skills day for graduates at the Coca-Cola HBC offices.
Now in its 5th year, #YouthEmpowered is one of a number of initiatives that Coca-Cola HBC is championing, together with the Coca-Cola Company, to support young people across the island of Ireland. Delivered through online content, training modules and mentoring support, the #YouthEmpowered initiative has already provided free training and advice to more than 3,500 young people, since its inception in 2016.
