- Adecco Group UK & Ireland tackles youth unemployment head-on with Way to Work™ programme
- Alongside 49 other select young people across the world, Abigale Legge is now in with a chance to become ‘CEO for One Month’ of Adecco Group globally
Adecco Group UK & Ireland has selected Abigale Legge as their new CEO for one month. The 24-year-old former dental nurse from Somerset is currently a first-year Business Management and Finance student at Plymouth University. On 4 July, she will join John Marshall, CEO of Adecco Group UK & Ireland, for a month of on-the-job experience and behind the scenes mentoring. Abigale was selected from a staggering 1,273 applications, and was chosen from five other finalists.
Abigale’s appointment forms part of a wider global campaign by Adecco Group, the world’s leading provider of HR solutions. Every year, the company selects talented young people from all over the world to take on the role of ‘CEO for One Month’ in their country. All ‘CEOs for One Month’ will benefit from a paid internship and will have the rare opportunity to work directly with senior leadership of the Fortune 500 company.
Abigale and the 49 other young people will be spending a month under the mentorship of the CEO and executive team of their respective countries and will also be put forward for the opportunity to be selected as ‘CEO for One Month’ of Adecco Group globally, working alongside Global CEO Alain Dehaze.
The ‘CEO for One Month’ initiative is part of Adecco Group’s global Way to Work™ programme aiming to fight youth unemployment. Whilst the last 12 months have seen progress, youth unemployment remains a key issue in the UK. According to the latest data from the Office for National Statistics, unemployment amongst 16-24-year-olds is 13.7%.
In addition to ‘CEO for One Month’, the Way to Work™ provides ‘readiness to work’ initiatives, educational material and work-based training opportunities. Over 1,300 internships and apprenticeships have been provided since January 2015.
Commenting on Abigale’s appointment, John Marshall, CEO, Adecco Group UK & Ireland, said:
“Abigale really impressed us. Her initiative, drive and communication skills really made her stand out. After completing a video presenting a HR solution, she wowed the executive board during a day of assessment. Abigale consistently performed on each task and we are looking forward to welcoming her to the team.
“Through the Way to Work™ programme, we want to help young people get the experience, advice and skills they need to launch their careers. As experts in the world of work, we want to support those who are just starting out and encourage their eagerness to learn and their determination to succeed.”
New Adecco Group UK & Ireland CEO for One Month, Abigale Legge said:
“I am very excited for the opportunity to work with the CEO of such a large business and I’m grateful to Adecco for giving me such an amazing and unique first step in my career. I’m looking forward to learning about different aspects of business and discovering potential options for when I graduate.
“Even from the selection process, I’ve already gained a lot of experience and was given the chance to demonstrate my skills, as well as to network. The selection process was tough but I really enjoyed the challenge. I hope I can prove I have what it takes to be the Global CEO too.”