Since the last newsletter went out, the YES Team have been busy supporting young people not in employment, education and training (NEET) overcome their barriers and move into EET.
Employability Programme
In September we launched our brand new 6-week employability programme for NEET young people. The programme included several activities and sessions in boosting confidence, CVs, job searching, interview preparation, mock interviews with business volunteers and careers talks by business members. Young people were able draw on the employment experiences of our business members to help guide and inspire them into work or training.
The back end of 2020 saw the YES team deliver two blocks of the 6-week employability programme with support from Leicestershire Cares' very helpful and keen business volunteers. Sessions were well attended, and participants increased their confidence and their employability skills during the process. One of the participants on the programme managed to secure employment which he started in the new year.
A special thank you to Lloyds Banking Group, Rock Kitchen Harris, Thermo Fisher Scientific, HRBS and Samworth Brothers for contributing to the programmes. All young people found the programme useful and have grown in confidence when applying and searching for jobs.
I am learning a lot from the programme, it is really useful.
SN, YES Young Person
Get Stuff Done
Virtual Get Stuff Done still runs every Wednesday afternoon with participants across the YES Project still attending to receive employability support.
1-2-1 Employability Sessions
In addition to the employability programme and get stuff done, we offer and regularly deliver 1-2-1 sessions with young people on the project.
CV`s and Cover Letters
We have been continuing to support young people to create CV`s and cover letters virtually over Zoom and Microsoft Teams. They leave the sessions with a completed CV or cover letter which they then use and tailor for applications, as taught in the sessions. Some of Leicestershire Cares’ business volunteers have looked over participants CV`s and given them great feedback on how they can improve their CV and make a great first impression.
Mock Interviews
Many of our business volunteers have facilitated mock interviews with our young people, increasing participant confidence and self-esteem as well as dishing out great career advice. We help young people prepare for the interview by delivering a 1-2-1 interview technique session.
Personal Development Activities
Young people on the project have access to other Leicestershire Cares activities as well as workshops delivered by any of the YES Project delivery partners. This includes Wellbeing Workshops from Richmond Fellowship, Explore and Get Into Programmes at the Princes Trust and bespoke handmade art packs from Soft Touch Arts. We have been delivering art packs in modelling and jewellery making to young people across the city and county. YES participants have also been taking advantage of Quarantine Chefs where they have been improving their cooking skills as well as learning about healthy eating on a budget!
English & Maths
We have also been thrilled to announce that we will be offering free English and Maths in partnership with Babington for young people not in education, employment or training. This new provision allows young people signed up to the YES Project to gain a Level 2 qualification which is equivalent to a C at GCSE level. Offering this course will enable young people to gain qualifications that will support them with obtaining employment.
Pathways Hub
In the coming months, we will be working closely with Pathways to create a mini Leicestershire Cares Hub. Pathways will be able to offer YES participants information, advice and guidance for those who are curious about higher and further education. Topics such as student finance, student support and routes into HE and FE will be covered with the opportunity for participants to attend virtual campus tours and student panels.
Requests
In the next coming months, we would like our business members to support us by:
- Notifying us when entry level vacancies become available at your organisation that are suitable for NEET young people.
- Supporting the delivery of our employability programmes or sessions. This includes delivering workshops, participating in mock interviews, career talks etc.
- Delivering World of Work Tours – either virtually or in person (small groups).
- Offering Work Placements.
If you would liked to be involved in the YES Project, please contact yes@leicestershirecares.co.uk
Some other good news….. We are happy to announce that we have added Jenny to the YES team who will be working as YES Project Support Officer until Feb 2022!