Nicola-Jane Sellers’ Post

We need strong measures to make sure that the situation and needs of persons belonging to one or more vulnerable groups are taken into account in the design and delivery of apprenticeships, to achieve equality, diversity and social inclusion. Gender equality and balance must be promoted in all aspects of apprenticeships, including in access to training, in order to stop the reproduction of gender segregation in the labour market. ILO Recommendation 208 calls for the promotion, development and delivery of quality apprenticeships that take into account these aspects and provide the best learning opportunities and experiences to all. 🌎🌎 It is time to build a more resilient society with #QualityApprenticeship for all. #R208 #ILO #DecentWork #youthemployment

In today's dynamic world, the empowerment of women is more crucial than ever. By offering internship opportunities, we can create pathways for women to gain the skills, experience, and confidence needed to thrive in their careers. Internships serve as a bridge between academic learning and professional work, providing women with a platform like 𝐀𝐋𝐏𝐇𝐀 𝐖𝐎𝐌𝐄𝐍 to showcase their talents and develop their potential. Empowering women through internship opportunities is a crucial step toward achieving gender equality in the workplace. By providing women with the skills, experience, and networks they need to succeed, we can help them build fulfilling careers and contribute to the broader goal of creating a more equitable and inclusive society. 𝑳𝒆𝒕'𝒔 𝒊𝒏𝒗𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒇𝒖𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆 𝒃𝒚 𝒆𝒎𝒑𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒘𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒏 𝒕𝒐𝒅𝒂𝒚 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝑳𝒊𝒃𝒆𝒓𝒕𝒚 𝑴𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒔 𝑳𝒊𝒎𝒊𝒕𝒆𝒅.

Attention everyone! Save the children is hiring! I know there are so many people that are looking right now! And hope someone will see this! Please consider reposting this to your network for reach! Start of image transcript: The image depicts a flag fluttering in the wind, creating a dynamic sense of movement and flow. The fabric feels smooth and silky, with each stripe of the flag carrying a distinct texture and meaning. Starting from the left, the flag has a section that feels firm and vibrant, representing a sense of boldness and pride. This section has a triangle shape with a rough texture, symbolizing the intersectionality of identities. The triangle features stripes that feel layered, each stripe’s texture slightly different, ranging from smooth to coarse, representing the diversity within the community. The first stripe within the triangle is soft and warm, evoking a feeling of comfort and inclusiveness. Following this, there are stripes that feel both rough and smooth, suggesting the challenges and resilience of different identities. The triangle also includes a smooth circle, centered and raised, symbolizing unity and wholeness. As the flag extends to the right, it transitions into horizontal stripes that feel smooth and silky, fluttering freely. Each stripe has a unique texture, from a slightly raised, velvety feel to a cool, satin-like touch, representing the spectrum of identities and experiences within the community. The movement of the flag in the wind creates a tactile sensation of waves and ripples, evoking a sense of continuous flow and progression. The background feels open and airy, suggesting a broad, expansive sky, enhancing the feeling of freedom and visibility. The overall tactile experience of this flag conveys a strong sense of pride, diversity, and unity, with each section and texture representing different aspects of the community it symbolizes. #pridemonth #inclusion #hiring

Happy International Women's Day! I consider myself extremely lucky to work for Lifetime Group, a company that not only champions the contributions of all the women that work here but also has a huge impact on women and girls across the UK by the very nature of what we do. Education has the power to change women’s lives and apprenticeships play a pivotal role in fostering gender equality. These programs can offer women pathways to break into traditionally male-dominated industries, providing hands-on training, mentorship, and career advancement opportunities.    By dismantling barriers and empowering women with practical skills, apprenticeships pave the way for economic independence and leadership roles. They foster a supportive environment where women can thrive, challenge stereotypes, and contribute meaningfully to diverse sectors.    Through apprenticeships, women not only gain technical expertise but also confidence and resilience, driving progress towards a more inclusive society where every woman’s potential is recognized and valued. Skills empower girls and women, helping to unlock true potential. 👩🎓 👩⚕️ 👩⚖️ 👩🔧 👩🏭 👩🚀 👩✈️ 👩🚒 👷♀️

Entering college can be an exciting and scary time. Reflecting on our journey into college, here is some advice we wish we had: 💗Build a Strong Foundation: Focus on a field of study relevant to your field of interest. This could mean pursuing a degree at a 4-year college or gaining certifications/ associates that are valued in the industry. 💗Seek Mentorship: Find mentors who are established professionals in your field of interest. They can provide valuable guidance, share their experiences, and offer insights into navigating the challenges and opportunities specific to the industry. 💗Network Actively: Networking is crucial in any field. Apply for internships and attend workshops to connect with professionals and peers in the field. Joining relevant college organizations can also expand your network and provide access to resources and job opportunities. 💗Advocate for Yourself and Others: In male-dominated fields, especially, advocate for gender equality and support other women. Be courageous in seeking leadership roles and opportunities to make a positive impact within your community. 💗Believe in Yourself: Don't underestimate your abilities or shy away from challenges. Have confidence in your skills and knowledge, and be willing to step outside your comfort zone to grow professionally. What field are you in, and what advice do you have for young women entering college who are interested in your field? #college #hbcu #womensupportingwomen  #careerwomen #womeninleadership #womenempoweringwomen #womenincollege #CollegeJourney #CareerAdvice #ProfessionalDevelopment #MentorshipMatters #NetworkingTips #LeadershipDevelopment

[ Reflecting on the Kordsa Unistars Ideathon Program Experience ] Three exhilarating days have just flown by. This was my first time participating in an ideathon or hackathon focused specifically on Inclusive Language. The experience was truly enlightening as I engaged in discussions about creating a more inclusive workplace environment, starting with the use of inclusive language. This program prompted me to reflect on my own experiences with discrimination in previous jobs. As a female intern, I was particularly vulnerable to discrimination and harassment in the workplace. Talking with my team members, I discovered that they, too, had faced discrimination during their internships. It became clear to me that this isn't just my issue—it's a challenge we all face. While we didn't achieve a top spot in the program, the insights and connections gained were invaluable, and I am optimistic about more opportunities to advocate for gender equality and justice in professional settings. As a woman, it is crucial for me to raise awareness about Inclusive Language and its importance to everyone. Beyond fighting for equal pay, we must also advocate for other essential rights in the workplace, such as the ability to express our opinions freely, support minority colleagues, and ensure that everyone feels included and respected. Have you ever wondered if our struggles to thrive in the workplace are rooted in discriminatory practices and the lack of inclusive language that makes us feel valued and respected? #UnistarsIdeathon #Kordsa #Growth #Career #Innovation

I strongly believe the road to gender parity lies in the strengthening of the talent pipeline. Yet, according to data from McKinsey, initiatives focused on increasing women's inclusion into their workforce decreased. Internship programs in particular are a resource sorely lacking. If entry-level positions are bottlenecked, it will have impacts on the developing workforce down the line. #GenderParity #WomenInSTEM

International Women’s Day is an important marker to reflect on our business, industry and everyday life. It’s a day to celebrate gender equality – but also to pause and remember what work still needs to be done. This year’s theme, Inspire Inclusivity, is very relevant to the travel industry who I believe, for the most part, are ahead of many other industries when it comes to embracing inclusion. We’re an industry that knows that multiple voices are better than one; who understands that educating ourselves about culture can make us richer; and one that understands that business is much better when we bring people of all backgrounds together. Coincidentally, it’s also the close of Scottish Apprenticeship Week this week. Unfortunately, with the removal of vital funding sources – including the funding that has resulted in the axing of apprenticeship courses in Scotland as well as the Flexible Workforce Development Fund being dissolved in Scotland, we face losing young talent in the travel industry. This goes against everything that the IWD theme is promoting this year. As travel - particularly retail travel - is largely female dominant, it is young women who will be disproportionately impacted by this. Apprenticeship funding is one of the key drivers in bringing people from every single background into business and allows young people to benefit from a strong educational framework as they enter the world of work. I will be doing everything in my power this year to advocate and champion young people and to do what I can to help funding be rightly reinstated. Encouraging organisations to support young talent through apprenticeship schemes is, in my opinion, a fantastic way to foster inclusivity in business. I hope we’ll be telling a different story at next year’s International Women’s Day.

New research from Redrow, Platinum Member of The 5% Club, has revealed that the gender stereotypes in construction are dwindling as 66% of young women participants already work in, have considered working in or are open to working in construction - up 17% from 2023. The survey of 1,000 young adults found that it’s not just the potential high salary young women find appealing (39%), but also the opportunity to have a long-term career (26%) and the ability to set up their own business later down the line (25%). The increase in women entering the sector could be attributed to a rise in female role models. In fact, over two-fifths (42%) of women surveyed want to work for a company that has female or LGBTQ leaders. There is further detail in the linked showhome/Construction Buzz article below, including comment from karen jones (Group HRD Redrow) and Darryl Stewart (NHBC). #apprenticeships #earnandlearn #genderequity #constructionindustry #stereotypes

What is diversity and inclusion??? Even I don't know till I did internship in saradha Valley Development samathi My recent internship at Saradha Valley Development Samithi, an NGO supporting the LGBTQ+ community, was a transformative experience. It challenged my own pre-conceived notions about diversity and inclusion. Prior to this internship, I must admit, I held some misconceptions about the LGBTQ+ community. However, through interaction and personal stories, I came to a profound realization: we are all human beings deserving of equal opportunity and respect. This experience resonated deeply with my aspirations for a career in Human Resources. It solidified my belief that talent should be the sole criterion for opportunity, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation. This realization aligns perfectly with the growing emphasis on Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) within organizations. While D&I is a frequently used term, translating it into action is where the true challenge lies. I am optimistic that organizations will increasingly embrace D&I principles, fostering workplaces that celebrate the unique contributions of every individual. #diversity #inclusion #internship