Career Connect has received national recognition for the innovative use of its new digital platform in supporting people facing multiple barriers to employment.
The charity won the Use of Technology in Career Development award at the UK Career Development Institute Awards 2022 for the design and use of its new ConnectMyCareer platform.
Career Connect adapted a digital platform – commonly used by professionals looking to change their careers, or by graduates looking for their first jobs – by making its content and navigation relevant to those with little to no employment experience, those facing redundancy and those facing multiple barriers to employment.
Common barriers to employment include a lack of interview experience or having no CV.
Participants have benefited from ConnectMyCareer’s cutting-edge features including a function that allows a CV to be assessed against criteria including compatibility with CV scanning software, and an AI interview simulator that analyses body language, eye movement, communication and speech in online interviews – helping to develop vital skills as more interviews now take place remotely. The platform also collates the most relevant job vacancies in one easy-to-navigate space.
The Career Development Institute Awards (CDI Awards) recognise excellence among those who work within the careers industry.
Career Connect’s Lisa Millward-Galliano, a career coach supporting young people in Sefton, was also shortlisted for an award in the Public Sector Careers Adviser/Coach of the Year category.
Traci Rabaca, Senior Operational Manager at Career Connect, picked up the award from the UK Career Development Institute Awards on behalf of the team.
Traci Rabaca, Senior Operational Manager at Career Connect
Traci said: “I am honoured to have accepted this award on behalf of Career Connect, who invested in the digital platform. It has allowed our charity to help so many people in the communities that we serve.
“Some of those we help have little or no employment or digital experience and can face multiple barriers to employment. ConnectMyCareer gives us the tools to provide comprehensive support to help those people with their job search and career development.
“The pandemic showed us that digital literacy is key in career development, and it was fantastic to see our own advisors embrace the technology, building on their own skills too.
“The beauty of ConnectMyCareer is that participants can use the platform with and without their coach or adviser, meaning they can continue to develop their skills between face-to-face sessions. Our service users can easily access the resources they need and undertake as many practice interviews, or CV assessments as they want, to really hone their skills and grow further in confidence.”
ConnectMyCareer is now embedded across a range of Career Connect programmes, providing customised support for those not in employment or training (NEET) or at risk of NEET, offenders, adults and school leavers.
It can be adapted to suit a user’s needs depending on their career stage, offering career guidance, self-development and employability resources and advice.
To find out more about the ConnectMyCareer platform please visit www.connectmycareer.org.uk
