Ikano Bank gives Nottingham teenagers super powers

More than 200 young people in Nottingham are learning that they can be superheroes in the world of work, thanks to a unique new education programme created by Ikano Bank.

The Superheroes programme, designed by the retail finance and loyalty specialist in partnership with the Nottingham Academy, is offering 14 and 15-year-olds at the Academy advice on how to be successful in their chosen career.

Only 16 per cent of people end up in the job they envisaged when they are younger, and at the age of five, being a superhero is one of the most popular choices. The workshop aims to encourage teenagers to think about the reality of how they can get ahead in their chosen career.

It then helps pupils identify what skills they have, what skills they may need to develop and how their attitude and behaviour is really important to prospective employers.

Vivienne Saunders, communications manager at Ikano Bank, said: “Everyone has a dream job when they’re young and that’s the starting point for the workshop. We want to show teenagers that everyone can have a successful life no matter what job or career they end up in – everyone can be a superhero in their own right, even without a strange costume!

“We have worked in partnership with the Nottingham Academy and Business in the Community to come up with a programme that helps pupils really get to grips with where their skills lie. We look at what the teenagers enjoy doing and their personality traits, to help them build a career profile.”

How to Be a Superhero is an interactive workshop that encourages youngsters to put their skills to use, to help them complete a student Linkedin profile and get them started in the right direction for their future career.

David Tungate, Principal at the Nottingham Academy, said: “The Superheroes programme works because it is interactive and engaging. It is a real opportunity for our pupils to learn about the skills, attitudes and behaviours needed to be successful in the workplace.

“We are sure that this programme will have a positive impact on their understanding about what they need to do to become a successful employee. Ultimately we hope they are inspired to start setting themselves the necessary targets to help them achieve their career aspirations.”

Ikano Bank hopes to roll out How to Be a Superhero to other school across Nottinghamshire over the coming months.

For more information on Ikano Bank visit ikano.co.uk and to find out more about the Nottingham Academy go to nottinghamacademy.org.