Aspire to Lead

Aspire to Lead is an exciting leadership programme that matches emerging young leaders to inspiring organisations.

Our aim is to help organisations achieve economic, social and environmental results by connecting the business leaders of tomorrow with the business leaders of today.

If you a high achieving graduate, the Aspire to Lead programme offers you the unique opportunity to develop world-class leadership skills as well as professional competency in your chosen field.  We help high-calibre graduates unlock their leadership potential, develop new skills as well as build upon existing ones.

If you are an employer, and looking to recruit an enthusiastic, intelligent staff member to coordinate a specific project, who shows true leadership potential, then Aspire to Lead could be the programme for you.

The Service

We match graduates who aspire to make a real impact with organisations who can offer real projects.

Aspire to Lead provides the following services to graduates and employers:

• Six month job opportunity for a motivated graduate
• Six month professional training programme on leadership and management skills
• A Level 3 Leadership and Management qualification, accredited by the Institute of Leadership and Management
.

We look for graduates who have an outstanding academic background with a min 2:1 degree. Applicants with Master degrees are also encouraged to apply. We look for candidates to demonstrate ambition, drive and initiative as well as a creative vision, alongside leadership experience within either a student, community or workplace environment.

We select eight exceptional graduates to start their 6mth job opportunities four times a year. Start dates are in July, October, January, and April.

If you an employer OR candidate interested in taking part in the programme then please contact [email protected]  to recieve further information.

Track Record

During 2010, we placed over 200 graduates in 6mth work placements with social enterprises, including Rich Mix, Eco-Computers, Make Theatre Work, London Rebuilding Society, Green works, Tourism Concern, plus many others. Over 50% have secured permanent employment following the placement, whilst the remainder pursued further training, career opportunities or established their own social enterprise.

As a result of our support, our clients feel they have:

• Developed leadership and management skills
• Gained new confidence
• Developed effective team skills
• Produced results and made a real difference
• Engaged with essential new work contacts 

Client Testimonials

Debbi Francis, Digital Marketing Manager, Global Action Plan - Employer

 “Amy is doing exceptionally well in her new role. She’s picked up everything really quickly, and is a fantastic support to the team. The team is always very busy but with Amy on board they have been able to work far more strategically. She uses her initiative, and is described as “an absolute pleasure to work with. Amy is a real asset to the team and to the organisation as a whole. With her help we’re making sure that Global Action Plan is recognised as one of the foremost environmental charities.”

Amy Sharples, Marketing Administrator, Global Action Plan - Employee

Amy Sharples is a 25 year old Biology Graduate.  She decided to take up the role at Global Action plan due to having a real interest in environmental issues.  Amy’s role entails supporting the marketing team, with event organisation, promotion of EcoInteractive exhibits plus digital marketing and website maintenance.

“ I hope to constantly improve in my job in order to reach my full potential and to be a real asset to the team.  I am learning a whole range of new skills within digital marketing and how it works in the charity sector.  I’ve found the coaching to really help me benchmark my progress. I’ve found my ideal job, it’s challenging but I love it. The environment is really friendly and nurturing and most importantly there’s a fantastic team spirit here.”

Dirk Bischof – Embrace Cooperation Ltd -  Employer

“Our three new employees have settled into the very busy office and are doing a great job. One of the project assistants is currently in Germany to accompany a youth placement.   We are extremely grateful to have had such well-organized, reliable and committed young adults. We plan to use the service again in the future”.

Lorna Maclean – Junior Training Facilitator – Embrace Cooperation Ltd - Employee

Lorna Maclean, aged 22, was recruited as a Junior Training Facilitator for Embrace Cooperation Ltd.  She has a BA in Applied Languages and wanted a job which utilized her languages.  She was recruited to help the Project Managers find accommodation and work placements for participants arriving from abroad, as well as prepare and carry out German lessons for participants going to Germany.

“ I want to make a difference to the company I work for. I am learning how to be part of a highly successful and extremely busy organisation, and the importance of time management.  The placement has been a good opportunity for me to develop team skills and has allowed me to feel more organised.”