Young people across the UK will be able to broaden their career options and start to gain the adaptive skills which employers need with the launch of a new virtual academy.

Adaptive skills are a mix of tangible work-based knowledge, critical thinking and creative problem solving combined with intangible skills such as self confidence and positive team dynamics. 

Employers report that young people are not employment ‘ready’ on leaving education and this is a major inhibiting factor to graduate and youth recruitment.

As part of the solution, Academy by Baytree has already been successfully piloted for four years and aims to develop the creativity, critical thinking and entrepreneurial skills of young people.

The next face-to-face course dates have been confirmed for June and July 2021 and the organisers have announced plans to create more virtual opportunities for learning in the coming months and years. 

Applications for the next intake are open now and young people can apply online at https://www.baytree.academy/. 

Mitul Thobhani, Founder of Academy by Baytree, commented:

Many schools, colleges, training providers and universities have been focused on academic, vocational and personal skills for too long. Employers are stating these skills are just not fit for purpose.

But this is not just about employability. What we need to see are confident, empowered young people with adaptive skills. The Academy by Baytree gives 16-25 year olds the opportunity to gain these skills through an exciting programme based on entrepreneurship and mentoring.

Academy by Baytree ensures young people are supported to develop their skills grounded in metacognition and through an immersive blended-learning experience, combining digital, self-directed learning, project-based learning underpinned by mentor and wellbeing-led support.

This immersive experience has been tested through a four-year pilot which empowered 60 young people.

One graduate of the pilot programme, Ronit Anand, commented:

With schools becoming more and more constrained to being an exam factory, students are becoming more and more constrained to a linear school of thought. 

The onus is now on entities like the Academy by Baytree and experiences like work placements to bridge the gap between school and the workplace. 

My time with Academy by Baytree was one of the most enthralling and captivating placements I have undergone

Another graduate, Alex Kay, added:

My two weeks taught me the essentials of starting a business with a product, and the importance of combining analytical skills with empathy for consumers. It honed my presentation and teamworking skills, and acted as a catalyst to inspire me to pursue my own interests with a newfound dedication.

Certainly, my growth of self-confidence will help me greatly in future endeavours, and I have a better appreciation of the risks but wonderful rewards of working for nobody but yourself.”

Mitul Thobhani, added:

We have exciting plans to revolutionise the opportunities and education young people receive, but we need more support from professionals to work with us and investors to support our ambition.

The next courses will start on 28 June and 19 July and applications are now open and young people can apply online at https://www.baytree.academy/.

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