Situation
Removing barriers to allow students to prepare for the world of work
#itstime
As the world went into lock down due to the COVID-19 pandemic, PwC Greece considered ways to further their ‘New world. New skills’ upskilling strategy. PwC Greece acted on their belief that every student in Greece should have the opportunity to live, learn, work, and participate in the digital world.
With 71 million young people unemployed worldwide, and between 20-40% of the jobs currently held by 16-24 year olds at risk of automation by the mid-2030s³, developing the skills required for the digital age is one of the most pressing challenges communities face. The COVID-19 pandemic only exacerbated this.
PwC Greece identified students in remote parts of Greece as a vulnerable part of society that could easily become even more isolated during the pandemic. UNICEF’s reachability index shows that three out of four students who cannot be reached by remote-learning options (including radio, television and internet) come from rural areas and/or poor households.
Experience
Creating a virtual, inclusive pathway forward
#bethesolution
PwC Greece aimed to eliminate obstacles and directly address the necessities for succeeding in today’s work environment. They initiated a collaboration with The Tipping Point (TTP)¹ to support students by facilitating access to information, raising awareness, and providing education that would help students comprehend various employment pathways. TTP’s online platform and mobile app enabled students in remote Greek areas to connect with PwC Greece mentors situated across the country.
Digital upskilling and tools to help build leadership and creativity skills were the focus of this collaboration, which aligns with our New world. New skills. initiative and our belief that everyone should be able to live, learn, work and participate in the digital world.
“The digital and soft skills in the workplace sessions with the mentors provided a window overlooking the world that awaits them after they complete their studies. They gained knowledge, became curious, intellectually stimulated and received information that could improve their decisions about their future path.”
TTP’s mobile micro-mentoring app became an important way for PwC Greece mentors to continue volunteering during the lockdown measures brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, and offer the students an alternative to live calls. They were able to deliver bite sized career orientation advice and digital skills through short and concise virtual videos.
The students uploaded questions relating to today’s work environment, the digital skills needed and career paths, directly onto the mobile app and PwC Greece mentors responded remotely. Through TTP students could access 30-60 minute sessions delivered by our team in Greece relating to digital upskilling.
“PwC’s mentors talked with the students about digital and soft skills but also the present capabilities of information technology and robotics required in today's job market, beyond the standard interview and CV writing.”
3:24
International Volunteer Day 2022
Impact
Helping young people get one step closer to equal rights in knowledge
#togetherwesolve
Through TTP’s digital platform, PwC Greece volunteers have mentored and trained students in both digital skills and the soft skills needed for employability. So far the programme has reached over 600 students between the ages of 14-17 years old from over 35 secondary schools in remote areas of Greece (mainland and islands).
The collaboration goes beyond just providing access to information; a platform has been created where students can ask questions and overcome perceived barriers they might associate with pursuing a career in professional services. The Tipping Point (TTP) continues to facilitate connections between PwC Greece volunteers and students in remote areas of Greece, fostering mentorship opportunities.
1. The Tipping Point website www.thetippingpoint.org.gr
2. 2020, Global Employment Trends for Youth 2020, International Labour Office
3. 2018, PwC UK, Will Robots really steal our jobs
Related content
Follow us
Contact us
Colm Kelly
Global Corporate Sustainability Leader, PricewaterhouseCoopers International Limited
Global Corporate Sustainability Managing Director, PricewaterhouseCoopers International Limited