Hundreds of DofE participants head to Google London for unique employability event

Hundreds of Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) participants and Award holders gathered at Google in London on Friday for a unique, interactive event to boost their confidence, knowledge and skills as they prepare for the world of work.

Youth Without Limits LIVE: Beyond the CV is part of the DofE charity’s work to support and champion young people by helping bridge the gap between education and work. The day included workshops on making a positive and memorable first impression, communication styles and securing work experience – along with panel discussions from employers on the skills and qualities they look for and on how to navigate a rapidly changing world of work.

Attendees – aged 16-19 and from across the UK – also heard an inspiring keynote speech from businessman Tim Campbell MBE, a Silver DofE Award holder, winner and now advisor to Lord Alan Sugar on BBC One’s The Apprentice. Representatives from RSM, Balfour Beatty and Loudspeaker and other DofE charity partners were on hand to lend their expertise and offer support and advice.

Tolu Opaleye, 18, from Chelmsford in Essex, a DofE Youth Ambassador who hosted the event, said: “Nowadays, there is a lot of apprehension amongst young people about starting their careers, and a lot of it starts with the CV. Learning the methods to help you stand out to employers – and discovering just how relevant the skills developed through the DofE are – has definitely helped improve my confidence and relieve a lot of that apprehension.”

In his speech, Tim Campbell MBE told attendees to look at what gives them purpose and align that with employment opportunities. He said: “There can be value and employment opportunities in the things you enjoy. Finding a job that gives you purpose can make you happy, it can motivate you to fulfil your potential and it can provide the drive to problem solve, which is one of the biggest things you’ll be rewarded for in the world of work.

“I’ve sat where you’re sitting and my advice to you is don’t stay in your comfort zone, go out and explore. Make the decision, make the change if necessary and don’t be scared of failure; the growth that you get from doing rather than thinking makes a massive difference. Say ‘yes’ to more things than you say ‘no’ to, adapt to different situations and work hard.”

Ruth Marvel OBE, CEO of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, said: “Doing their DofE gives young people a whole range of skills and qualities employers value, which can’t be learnt in classrooms. Our Beyond the CV events help them recognise and explore skills like teamwork and problem-solving, boost their confidence, and get first-hand, top-quality advice on entering the workplace.

“This generation are navigating unprecedented uncertainties and challenges. But, as was clear at today’s event, they’re also passionate, eager to learn, and – with the right support and opportunities – capable of achieving amazing things.”

The DofE’s Youth Without Limits LIVE: Beyond the CV events have supported over 750 young people from right across the UK since they were established in 2022.