A CHARITY which links young people to the world of work is looking for e-mentors across St Helens for its new Career Ready Programme.

The call comes in response to overwhelming demand for places on the programme which brings together employers, schools and colleges to prepare students between 16 and 19 for the workplace.

E-mentoring is an effective way for people employed in St Helens to give the students an invaluable insight into their working world, while developing their own management skills.

Research carried out by the organisation FreshMinds this year shows that there are also personal benefits from working with young people with 75 per cent stating that the professional development of staff involved was a key benefit of engaging with young people.

Career Academies UK has joined up with leading digital charity Brightside to create a secure platform where employees can communicate with students.

Students can discuss their experiences, ask for advice and follow their progress on a digital skills tracker.

Mentors will receive training and will be matched with appropriate students to ensure both parties benefit as much as possible.

Anne Spackman executive director at Career Academies UK said: “St Helens has a thriving business community.

“As an e-mentor from the local area, you can become a crucial element in a young person’s journey from education to the workplace, providing guidance, motivation and helping them to complete tasks.

“Career Academies UK knows from its own experience that the best way to help young people get jobs is by connecting them to the world of work, and we have a 10-year track record of doing just that.”

If you are interested in becoming an e-mentor, please contact Career Academies UK on 020 7986 5494 or email: career.ready@careeracademies.org.uk