GetMyFirstJob is an innovative web platform that improves the speed and quality of matching young people to the right apprenticeship. It works with employers and training providers to help them find apprentices in a time frame that works for them.

Impact Objective: Reduce the number of young people that are NEET (Not in Education or Employment) by matching young people with apprenticeships more effectively.

Their approach includes advising young people and guiding them through the apprenticeship process, ensuring the best match is made. Over 610,000 young people are currently registered on the system and are being helped to find information about apprenticeships as well as details of vacancies nationwide.

David Allison, CEO of GetMyFirstJob says:

“One of the big issues when it comes to apprenticeships is timing. How do you get the right young person into an apprenticeship quickly so that it works for employers? Businesses can’t wait weeks and weeks to find the right person, that’s why it is vital that we have a placement system that’s quick and easy to use.

One of the very frustrating things for young people is that they have lots of people giving them advice but it rarely leads directly to a job. Careers advice should be directly linked to real jobs – this proactive approach is best for candidates and employers. As soon as young people register their details with GetMyFirstJob they can be contacted by proactive employers and training providers as well as looking for the best vacancies for themselves.”

As the Government looks to increase the number of young people taking up apprenticeships, GetMyFirstJob is already working with employers and training providers to ensure they can find the right young person at the right time. Over the last year, they have managed 8,000 vacancies.

Andrew Rodney, Director of Business Development & Marketing at Calderdale College says:

“GetMyFirstJob has given us a leading edge in apprenticeship recruitment in our area. The system has given us a great advantage for filling apprenticeship vacancies for our employers. It has also proved to be a great selling tool when engaging with potential employers. Being able to target specific learners, rather than waiting for applications, is seen as a major benefit by our customers. So far, it has enabled us to double the number of positions filled each month.”

The opportunity to increase the number of young people taking up an apprenticeship and making a successful transition into the workplace convinced Nesta to make an investment.

Isabel Newman from Nesta Impact Investments says:

“We know that one of the most challenging times in a young person’s life is when they leave school or college and look for their first job. Apprenticeships are an ideal way for many young people to make this transition but often the process is long-winded and difficult to navigate. We believe that GetMyFirstJob offers a real break through and has the potential to help thousands of young people get the right apprenticeship.”

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