Boots and long-term charity partner The Prince’s Trust have launched ‘Joy of the Journey’, their first virtual Careers Masterclass that provides young people with targeted careers advice and insights.
Host Kyle Frank, a The Prince’s Trust Young Ambassador and creator of skincare brand Frank’s Remedies, is joined by a panel of young Boots team members who have been supported in kick-starting their working lives by The Prince’s Trust. The panel take a deep dive in discussing beginning work, applying for jobs, confidence, career opportunities and the importance of finding joy in your work.
The Masterclass also features inspiration and insights from The Prince’s Trust celebrity ambassador Fearne Cotton, who talks candidly about her recent change in career, her new podcast, overcoming personal challenges, mental health in the workplace and what brings her joy.
Natalie Gourlay, Head of ESG at Boots UK said: Our partnership with The Prince’s Trust is about creating meaningful employment opportunities and helping young people feel ready, willing and optimistic about their career journey. We’re hopeful that by working in partnership we can connect with young people to help them believe in themselves and give them confidence boosting guidance that they may need. We provide practical advice and encourage involvement in our programmes to support them to feel empowered and take control of their future.
Sylvia Lowe, Director of Brand & Marketing Fundraising at The Prince’s Trust, said: “Together with Boots we are committed to supporting young people on their journey into employment. We are delighted to be launching a ‘Joy of the Journey’ Masterclass with Boots, inspiring young people from all backgrounds to start their career. The pandemic has led to almost three years of disruption to young people's aspirations and ambitions as shown in our Class of Covid report, and working with partners like Boots helps us to reach even more young people to offer them support and guidance. We’re especially proud of our Masterclass host, Kyle, who took the opportunity to share his experiences of being supported by The Prince's Trust to help inspire others.“
The 35-minute Masterclass is available to view on The Prince’s Trust YouTube channel. The panel includes:
Joe (Boots Recruitment Administrator) - Joe took part in the Kickstart programme through Boots which he was supported by The Prince’s Trust. He has previously worked as a Learning Mentor, but the pandemic saw him take a different direction with his career and he’s now happy working at Boots as an Recruitment Administrator.
Ryan (Marketing Manager) - Ryan joined Boots as a Christmas Temp, before moving into various store roles including Assistant Manager & Store Manager, he then pivoted into a career in the Boots support office where he has undertaken multiple roles including his current role of Marketing Manager.
Samantha (Internal Comms and Engagement Assistant) - Samantha studied Broadcast Journalism at university, during which time she also was diagnosed with dyslexia and dyspraxia. After leaving university in 2019 and struggling to find work, her confidence was impacted. She joined Boots working as a Customer Service Advisor in the Customer Support Centre, before being given her dream career as an Internal Communications Assistant.
Sam (Recruiter) – Sam joined Boots as a Recruitment Administrator after participating in their work inspiration programme when he left sixth form, since then he has gained experience in various roles across HR and Property before starting his current role as an internal recruiter where he supports with the internal mobility and retention of the Boots Pharmacist population.