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National Grid's 'Grid for Good' program powers change

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Fri, Jan 29th 2021 11:00 am

National Grid recently launched “Grid for Good,” a new initiative designed to increase the social mobility and employment opportunities for disadvantaged young people in the communities they serve in the U.S. and U.K. This program is part of the “Responsible Business Charter,” which lays out the company’s commitments to the environment, employees, customers and communities.

Through the “Grid for Good” program, National Grid employee volunteers work with young people aged 16-24 and teach them basic business skills and energy industry-specific skills needed in for a competitive job market. The program provides team building workshops to build participants’ confidence and collaboration skills with problem-solving exercises; along with activities to focus on resume writing, interview techniques, and workplace conflict resolution.

National Grid employees in the U.S. have committed to providing over 100 paid, two-week job shadowing experiences for participants. National Grid will connect participants with job opportunities in the energy industry, driven by charity partners MissionSAFE, New York Edge, On Point for College, YOU Boston and YWCA Syracuse.

“ ‘Grid for Good’ gives young people the opportunities they deserve to succeed,” said Badar Khan, president of National Grid, U.S. “We hope the program will transform the lives of those who live and work in the communities we serve, and build a more diverse workforce of the future. As a business committed to acting responsibly, this is the kind of positive impact we want to have across our region.”

“ ‘Grid for Good’ has been a fantastic way for me to give back by mentoring talented young professionals from underserved communities,” said Clara Giustino, VP of project development and commercial services capital delivery. “For many, this program is one of the few windows into the corporate world. I’m proud to be a part of ‘Grid for Good!’ ”

Through the “Grid for Good” program, National Grid plans to help 4,000 young people via 12,000 hours of volunteering in 2021. “Grid for Good” also aims to help bring diversity into the energy sector with qualified talent to help achieve the net zero ambition.

A press release stated, “Unemployment amongst young people is an existing issue, that has doubled since the COVID-19 pandemic. Now more than ever, National Grid wants to support its communities with ‘Grid for Good.’ ”

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