Jobs: TV presenter Jameela Jamil wants to inspire business, schools and young people

The programme has been launched by Barclays and aims to work with employers such as Waitrose, Centrica and ISS, as well as government backed not-for-profit, on-line careers platform platform, plotr to offer 50,000 work experience opportunities this year.

LifeSkills has ambassadors including TV and radio presenter Jameela Jamil, The Apprentice star Karren Brady, former Olympic athlete Colin Jackson and nail bar pioneer Thea Green.

From next month, teachers will be able to access a range of free resources designed to develop the skills employers most seek in young people covering topics such as writing a CV, managing money, and building self-confidence. After completing the modules in class or online, teachers can then match students to local work experience opportunities.

Barclays will provide at least 6,000 opportunities and is encouraging businesses of all sizes across the UK to get involved. Waitrose, Centrica, ISS and McDonald’s will be working together with Barclays on LifeSkills to help unlock work experience opportunities for 14-16 year olds.

Andy Wright, regional director, Barclays Eastern said: “We face a major challenge in supporting our young people nationally and in Eastern Region to make the transition from education into the world of work. This challenge has never been greater for modern western economies like the UK, where the employment landscape is radically different and much more competitive compared to 30 years ago. The opportunities we provide now to our young people for them to shape and realise their aspirations will have a profound impact on our economy and society.

“This is why we are launching LifeSkills in collaboration with business, government and education providers, to transform the opportunities open to young people. The first step of this journey is helping them to make the transition from school to the workplace, which LifeSkills has been specifically created to address.”

LifeSkills created with Barclays, will build on the successful Barclays Apprenticeship Programme which has already recruited 600 young people (33 in Eastern Region), with a major expansion to be announced next week. Together, these elements demonstrate Barclays commitment to supporting young people from education to employment.

Click here to find out more about LifeSkills