A.K was referred to Leicestershire Cares to obtain support with gaining employability skills. A.K attended an initial assessment where his needs were duly identified. A.K was subsequently invited to a reflection event where he participated in creating a short, shared youth justice story. Although A.K was the youngest participant in the group, he interacted confidently with the other participants in the group. A.K also shared his perspective on whether people with criminal convictions should be given a second chance.
In his next session, A.K attended a C.V session, in this session, we worked on creating a C.V. We looked at both good and bad examples of a C.V. and we provided A.K with additional documentation to support him with creating a C.V in future. A.K was able to identify some of the issues which made the bad C.V. poor quality. We explained the importance of speaking in more formal language when drafting a C.V. We then went on to look at a good C.V. and the core components of a good C.V. A.K was also provided with an explanation on the importance of using industry specific buzz words depending on his interests or his long-term goals. A.K was guided on how to expand on his work experience instead of minimizing or stating it too simplistically.
Although A.K does not have a conviction, we still provided him with a disclosure session for information purposes, and to dissuade A.K from getting himself involved in any criminal activities in future by providing an outline of the long-term impact of a criminal record. During the session, we explored the types of DBS and when they are used by employers. We also discussed spent and unspent convictions and the relevant time frame which applies
We also explained that based on his preferred jobs, employers can also request police records. We advised A.K that although one might not have a conviction, if there are several interactions with the police, some police forces may send historic information to a potential employer when a DBS check is conducted which could lead to indirect discrimination and possible job loss.
A.K concluded his intervention by participating in a mock interview session. A.K was asked various general interview questions. A.K answered the questions and was provided with feedback accordingly. He was encouraged to think deeply about what he has written in his C.V and any transferrable skills he has gained.
The importance of drawing from experiences from home projects and other work projects was explained to A.K as well as how to utilise the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) approach or CAR approach (Context, Action, Results) when answering interview questions.
A.K advised that long term, he would prefer to work with his hands. A.K is currently enrolled as a student at City of Leicester College, and he currently works within their family business as a general handy man and assistant riding instructor. He is also receiving support from our partner projects to obtain part-time employment.
I have really appreciated the help so far with all the inclusive sessions and the theory around them and how they have enabled me to further build confidence skills and other skills and experience when being involved in the world of work. It has been very useful and supportive. Thank you.
A.K 2026