Detective lessons for Islington students

Highbury Grove School students had a lesson with a difference as they heard first-hand about what it takes to investigate financial crime.

Last week HMRC criminal investigator Keith Le Bihan joined forces with over 30 other local employers – including Pret a Manger, Balfour Beaty, and Packington Children’s Centre – for the “Presenting Yourself” skills workshop at the north London school.

The ‘Presenting Yourself’ days, run by Islington Council are a chance for children to learn first-hand from business professionals about how to market themselves effectively via their CVs and job applications, and to gain an insight into the value of transferable skills.

Investigator, Keith Le Bihan, said: “London is a global city attracting an international workforce. Against this background it is critical that local young people get the best training on how to present themselves to succeed in the jobs and careers market in order to fulfil their ambitions.”

Leader of Islington Council, Cllr Richard Watts, said: “We’re committed to ensuring that all local young people get the support they need to confidently pursue their ambitions and get the careers they deserve.

“These ‘Present Yourself’ days help improve young people’s self-confidence and are a fine example of our community working together to create a culture of employment in our schools and colleges.

“I’d like to say ‘thank you’ to all the employers and representatives who gave up their time to take part today.”

In 2014 Islington Council established the independent Islington Employment Commission so as to better understand unemployment in the borough and what could be done to reduce it. 

The Commission brought together a coalition of business, charities, colleges, think tanks, Trade Unions, the NHS, Jobcentre Plus and the council. 

Among the recommendations set out in the Commission’s final report was a call for stronger links between education and businesses, so to ensure all Islington young people get the high quality careers education to which they are entitled.

The final report of the Islington Employment Commission can be accessed by clicking here.

The council's 'one year on' progress report, which was launched on Monday evening, can be accessed by clicking here.

To learn more about Islington Council’s ‘Present Yourself’ days, please contact Diana James via Diana.james@Islington.gov.uk.