by Nikki Jarvis

nikki.jarvis@essnmedia.co.uk

A passionate volunteer has been hailed a local hero - after clocking up 40 years of helping others.

Paul Faulkner has volunteered at youth centres, been a Scout leader and now visits schools to help students find their ideal jobs.

The 58-year-old is director of Croydon Young Enterprise – a scheme which aims to teach teenagers entrepreneurial skills.

And he is vice chairman of Croydon Education Business Partnership, which aims to develop young people's understanding of the world of work, while enhancing their employability.

And it seems when Paul, of Burwood Avenue, Kenley, decides to do something he sticks to it - as he has also been working for BT for 42 years.

He said: "I have been volunteering with young people since I was 18 and it is the most rewarding thing I have ever done in my life.

"Being able to change people's lives is a two-way street – sometimes I bump into people who I worked with when they were young and they tell me what I said made them who they are today – and that makes me feel wonderful."

In his current position Paul ensures pupils between 14 and 18 across the borough have access to one-to-one help with writing CVs, interview training and job hunting.

He said: "I think I am able to motivate these kids and get along with them because I have never grown up.

"I'm the most juvenile person I know – just ask my wife.

"I came from a council estate and I understand where kids are coming from when I speak to them.

"I understand their language and I don't get offended very easily."

Given the current economic climate, Paul's help can be priceless.

He said: "When I came out of school there were more jobs than people but that's all changed now.

"We teach them the skills they will need in interviews and how to present themselves appropriately - so for instance if they go for an interview to be a hairdresser they don't turn up looking skanky."

Tony Slonecki, from Croydon Education Business Partnership, is amazed by Paul's four decades of dedicated.

He said: "Paul has been a real champion.

"He's a strong advocate of all businesses pulling together to give young people better employability skills."