Opening Doors 2020 Training Programme
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The Opening Doors Training has been developed as a direct response to the challenges related to diversity in international development and related sectors.
New research from the Charity Commission found that ethnic minorities are less likely to be employed in charities, than in the public or private sectors. And 54% of ethnic minority candidates felt they faced discrimination in the recruitment process. Graduates navigating the employment market in 2020 and 2021 are likely to face even greater challenges, as the economic impact of COVID-19 puts even greater pressure on the availability of high quality, entry level opportunities in international development.
‘Opening Doors’ is a bespoke training programme designed to support people who come from backgrounds that are under-represented in the international development sector to make that first crucial leap into paid career opportunities.
Co-designed by staff with many years of experience working within the international development sector, and with young people who aspire to pursue a career in international development, this three-month access programme will support participants to develop new skills, expand their professional networks and access targeted careers advice and support.
Navigating the graduate job market for the first time can be a lonely, and daunting experience. The process is even more challenging for young people with little direct knowledge or experience of international development organisations and young people who lack the resources to take on unpaid internships, volunteer overseas, or personal connections in the sector. The training programme will support young people to overcome these barriers, and help them to develop the knowledge, skills and networks that will enable them to compete on a more equal playing field for entry level opportunities in development organisations
This is a positive and practical initiative, that builds on best practice from other sectors and has the potential to make a real and lasting difference to the international development sector by intervening.
New research from the Charity Commission found that ethnic minorities are less likely to be employed in charities, than in the public or private sectors. And 54% of ethnic minority candidates felt they faced discrimination in the recruitment process. Graduates navigating the employment market in 2020 and 2021 are likely to face even greater challenges, as the economic impact of COVID-19 puts even greater pressure on the availability of high quality, entry level opportunities in international development.
‘Opening Doors’ is a bespoke training programme designed to support people who come from backgrounds that are under-represented in the international development sector to make that first crucial leap into paid career opportunities.
Co-designed by staff with many years of experience working within the international development sector, and with young people who aspire to pursue a career in international development, this three-month access programme will support participants to develop new skills, expand their professional networks and access targeted careers advice and support.
Navigating the graduate job market for the first time can be a lonely, and daunting experience. The process is even more challenging for young people with little direct knowledge or experience of international development organisations and young people who lack the resources to take on unpaid internships, volunteer overseas, or personal connections in the sector. The training programme will support young people to overcome these barriers, and help them to develop the knowledge, skills and networks that will enable them to compete on a more equal playing field for entry level opportunities in development organisations
This is a positive and practical initiative, that builds on best practice from other sectors and has the potential to make a real and lasting difference to the international development sector by intervening.
Organizer
Lorriann Robinson
Organizer
England