What is Experience Works?
The Experience Works project is part-funded by the European Social Fund and offers support to the young people who need it the most.
The Experience Works project has been developed to help young people who are at risk of becoming NEET (not in education, employment, or training). We understand how competitive the job market is and how it affects the opportunities that young people have access to. Teaching young people employability skills and how to manage their well-being will allow them to become work-ready. This project incorporates social action and workplace learning, and these aspects enable the participant to gain and develop transferrable skills that employers will find desirable.
Each young person will work with a single Mentor throughout the project, and they will become a key part of their support network. Our Mentors will work with young people to identify their talents, ambitions, and barriers, and offers them the chance to build on their employability skills. This includes everything from creating CVs and cover letters to undertaking mock interviews and short work placements. Mentors will also help the young person to tackle any areas that they may be struggling with both in education and their personal life.
The support given to participants is unique and tailored to the individual’s needs, and includes both 1-2-1 and group sessions, which will help to build teamwork and communication skills.. Experience Works also provides an opportunity for young people to take part in taster sessions and short work placements. The social action and the volunteering aspect of this project enable the young person to get involved within their community and build connections. All these experiences combined allow participants to build a personal portfolio that will make them desirable candidates for employment.
All sessions are delivered in person and usually within an educational establishment. We utilise the space that the schools/colleges have available, often making slight changes to the environment to create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. There is scope to deliver sessions online via zoom, however, in-person delivery is preferred so that each session can be an immersive and interactive experience.
What is the aim of the project?
The project aims to give young people who are struggling with education, employment, and training the support and tools they need. We understand that each journey is different. Some individuals may need help with their employability skills and others may need the confidence to embark on their desired career path. We hope to help participants build a positive sense of self. The focus on well-being will help young people to think positively about their future. We hope that each participant leaves the project having gained transferrable skills and coping strategies that they can use in the marketplace.
Eligibility criteria to take part:
A participant is eligible to take part in Experience Works if they fit into at least two of the following categories:
- Living within Devon, Plymouth, or Torbay
- Living in a rural or isolated coastal area
- Not on job-seeking related benefits
- Has very limited or no work-related experience
- Young (adult) carer
- In care or a care leaver
- English as a Second Language
- Single Parent
- Ex-offender or offender
- Has a learning difficulty or disability
- Has a mental health condition
- Has a physical impairment
- Eligible for free school meals whilst in year 11
- Homeless or at risk of becoming homeless
How to sign-up:
An eligible young person can get involved in Experience Works with a referral from an educational establishment. This referral should state their name, age, and the reason why they are at risk of becoming NEET. Under extenuating circumstances, the young person can make a self-referral. To make a referral for the project, please contact our student wellbeing mentor: Harry.Morris@groundwork.org.uk
For any questions or further details, please contact our student wellbeing mentor: Harry.Morris@groundwork.org.uk