What is social mobility?
In a society which aims to manoeuvre as a meritocracy, social mobility can be viewed as one’s capacity to move up the social ladder due to hard work, education, occupation, and income. Whilst many may view social mobility as the susceptibility to move into the upper classes, it can instead be argued as the foundation on which those facing barriers to sustainable careers can fuel their development and social health.
Common barriers to social mobility?
Unfortunately, the circumstances into which we are born still significantly contribute to the outcomes of our futures, particularly as determinants of health and employability. For individuals from minority groups, those raised in care, those in lower economically developed towns, or those with experience of the criminal justice system, building an independent and sustainable career which levels out individuals’ disadvantages and increases their future prospects is significantly more difficult compared to those born into socioeconomic privilege.
Catch22’s Senior Operations Manager for Employability, Sam Crandle, writes:
Social mobility initiatives are essential to not only secure jobs but also to provide individuals with the tools and opportunities needed to improve their quality of life, achieve career success, and contribute meaningfully to society.
At Catch22 we ensure all employability programmes have ongoing, in work support. This is made up of regular check-ins, further training and often support with travel for the first month until pay day. Without mentoring, guidance, and encouragement, it can be an easier choice to give up when a new job feels challenging. This is why we have trained employers to work with people who face barriers to work. Without continued support, individuals may cycle between low-quality jobs and unemployment, unable to achieve financial independence or long-term stability.
Catch22 services (Grid for Good)
Catch22 deliver high-quality, tailored programmes that equip individuals facing barriers to work with the support they need for a path into sustainable employment or training. One such programme is Grid For Good, in partnership with the National Grid.
Grid For Good supports young people aged 16 – 30 who are from disadvantaged backgrounds to access careers in the energy sector. Participants on the Grid for Good programme have access to insight events, peer networking, industry taster sessions, work readiness training, work experience, and job opportunities within the National Grid and beyond.
National Grid’s Social Impact Senior Manager, Fergus Hynd, writes:
Working with people facing barriers or significant challenges to fulfilling their potential, it is a delightful moment every time they are successful in getting employment. It takes dedication on their part to endure processes that are completely alien to them, and it takes constant focus from our Grid for Good team and partners to make sure none of the many things that can go awry happen. But begin brutally honest, once this person has their job, the work for boosting social mobility has only just begun.
Processes and policies in any organisation are based on tried and tested experiences and perceptions. It is not reasonable to assume processes and policies are perfect for everyone, especially when organisations with active social mobility programmes are seeking talent from under-represented groups and those with diverse lived experiences. At National Grid on our social mobility programme, Grid for Good, we monitor talent hired into our organisation because we know the first 12 months will be some of the most challenging experiences for them. The barriers they faced before being hired rarely evaporate just because they gain an exciting new role. This is why it is essential we carefully and sympathetically monitor talent hired by social mobility programmes, plug them in to enhanced mentoring, draw upon specific support from employee resource groups, and even ensure expert third-party intervention to help this talent have the chance to truly thrive.
Ultimately, the more the UK provides social mobility support for underserved young people, the less likely one’s circumstances at birth will determine their outcomes in life, thus contributing to a fairer and better equipped labour market.