LifeSkills created with Barclays has launched Virtual Work Experience - a video based programme which enables young people to gain a valuable insight into the modern workplace.

The new online work experience tool is available to anyone and delivers a first person ’point of view’ style journey through a day of work experience.

It gives the user a taste of working life, as they meet colleagues, ask and answer questions and tackle a variety of tasks in a range of departments.

The interactive video encourages young people to explore a range of content and advice from LifeSkills, as they undertake a selection of tasks, helping them to bridge any skills gaps or find out more about a particular subject area.

The virtual work experience video aims to help equip young people with the core and transferable skills that employers are looking for including networking, communication, resilience and problem solving.

The tool is an extension of the existing support Barclays provides in the Isle of Man, having already worked with a number of local schools to deliver LifeSkills sessions to 1,072 students, helping them develop the skills employers seek in new recruits.

Volunteers from Barclays delivered 48 LifeSkills sessions in 2016, which equates to 394 collective hours in the classroom, covering self-confidence, personal impact, interview skills and personal finance skills.

The LifeSkills website also offers 60 hours of free, curriculum-linked resources for teachers to use themselves in the classroom with students, as well as interactive content for young people to work through on their own or with parents.

These include lesson plans, a CV builder tool and practice online assessments that employers use to assess judgement skills and personality type.

LifeSkills also has a new virtual interview practice tool which gives young people the opportunity to practice and learn interview techniques whether it is for work experience, a first job, or a change of career.

Managing director at Barclays in the Isle of Man, Simon Scott, said: ’The LifeSkills programme is a great opportunity for students in the Isle of Man to gain the skills they need for a better future.

’The students learnt a lot from the sessions delivered by our volunteers so it’s fantastic that they, can access more helpful interactive content and practical advice in their own time on the LifeSkills website.

’There are also free resources and lesson plans endorsed by City and Guilds on the website which teachers can build into their existing curriculum schedule to help teach students the skills employers are looking for.

’LifeSkills demonstrates Barclays’ commitment to developing the skills young people need to fulfill their potential and prepare for the 21st Century workplace.’

LifeSkills created with Barclays, is a major initiative designed to give young people aged 11-24 access to the advice, support and opportunities the need to develop the skills employers seek in new recruits.

Students, teachers and parents can find out further information and access LifeSkills resources at www.barclayslifeskills.com