Leading businesses offer training and support for the Classof2020

New platform @Classof2020HQ provides free access to training and careers guidance from business heavyweights including Microsoft, Salesforce and PwC

Classof2020, the free online learning tool, today launches a new platform packed full of vital training and careers guidance for today’s school leavers, students, and graduates. The materials, provided by leading businesses including Microsoft, Salesforce and PwC, aim to improve the prospects of those entering the workplace against unprecedented barriers brought on by coronavirus.

Young people are widely reported to be some of the hardest hit by the pandemic, as they seek to enter the world of work during a time of high unemployment, fewer job prospects, and having experienced a year of disruption in their studies.

Those aged under 18 have the highest take up of the Government furlough scheme, at 41% of females and 30% of males. Youth unemployment is at its highest since 2016, having increased by 13% in September-November 2020, compared with the pre-pandemic quarter of January-March 2020. But prospects remain sparse, with vacancies at the end of 2020 were nearly 28% lower against 2019.

Classof2020 brings together learning and development materials provided by businesses including O2, Salesforce, Microsoft, Seedrs and PwC. It is free and easy for anyone to sign up, and covers a wide range of topics such as Artificial Intelligence, writing business plans, digital marketing and advice on CV’s and interviews. The project aims to benefit both students and businesses, by focusing on skills that reflect the needs of employers.

Norbert Morawetz, Founder of Classof2020, said: 

“Those joining the workforce today face more hurdles than the generations before them. Unemployment is high, opportunities are scarce, and a year stuck at home has cut off many first jobs in bars, retail or leisure which often provide skills which are invaluable in later careers. We’ve built Classof2020 to provide free training and guidance from leading businesses, to help young people develop and improve their chances of employment.”