Grandmother Commends Citizens Hub for Grandchildren’s Career Advancement

A grandmother has commended a careers and skills service for providing guidance and advancing the careers of her grandchildren. Mary Warren, 72, assumed guardianship of her two teenage grandsons in 2019, following the passing of their mother, her daughter-in-law. Ms. Warren stated that both teenagers faced difficulties post-school and “would not listen to nan,” yet their engagement with the Citizens Hub in St Neots, Cambridgeshire, contributed to them achieving more promising futures. Alex Hughes, co-founder, noted that the hub—recently re-established after an earlier closure this year—champions social mobility and opportunity creation, asserting that “30% of jobs are created and not found, and we lean into that.” Ms. Warren relocated to St Neots from Hertfordshire in 2017, subsequently joined by her grandsons, who, she mentioned, experienced a “traumatic younger life.” She elaborated, “They lost their way after leaving school and, being nan, they don’t listen to me… I needed to find someone to listen and help.” The two teenagers presented distinct requirements. One had experienced multiple exclusions, departed school without qualifications, and was “never really given a chance.” His sibling encountered difficulties in certain social settings, withdrew from university, and was uncertain about his next steps. Ms. Warren learned of employment prospects via the hub and concluded she had “nothing to lose by coming in,” as she informed the BBC. She added, “They listened and it’s been a huge help for the family. It’s not just changed where they want to go, it’s changed the way they are. They smile more and that helps.” Through the hub’s assistance, one teenager secured mentoring from two major pharmaceutical companies and re-enrolled in university for an alternative program. His brother commenced a welding apprenticeship, with established support aimed at facilitating his full qualification. “Mary’s story is a perfect representation of what this is all about,” stated Mr. Hughes. He continued, “As a local lad born and raised here I’ve always been a good neighbour, and this is an extension of that.” He further explained, “We take young talent – and by that I mean someone with the characteristics – and put them in front of employers who trust us and make opportunities for people.” Ian Sollom, MP for St Neots and Mid Cambridgeshire, commented: “We have all sorts of skills gaps, not just in St Neots but across the country, and one way to start closing that gap is by getting good advice and opportunities to young people.” For updates on Cambridgeshire news, follow BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external sites. Information regarding their approach to external linking is available.