Services for Young People helps young people explore career paths, identify their goals, and gives them the individually tailored help they need to progress towards them. An important part of this support is providing work experience placements. These provide young people with an invaluable insight into the world of work, helping them gain a deeper understanding of various industries and potential careers. We support local employers to provide these opportunities, which are also of great benefit to their businesses.
A shining example of the life-changing impact our work with Hertfordshire businesses has on the lives of young people is a young person from the East Herts area who successfully secured his ideal apprenticeship with a housing maintenance company following his work experience placement.
Brad had left college after having difficulties achieving the qualifications he’d hoped for and was unsure how to find a job or what career he would enjoy. His SfYP Adviser helped develop his confidence to independently explore and search for a range of apprenticeships using online job search platforms and helped him write a CV. After identifying an interest to work in groundworks, he was supported to apply for local positions.
A significant turning point came when the SfYP Adviser secured a week’s work experience for Brad with MCP Property Services. In the time he was with them, the company was so impressed by his dedication and work ethic, that they created an apprenticeship tailored to his ambitions for the future and, after a successful interview, he was offered the position. Brad said:
“Pathways to Success led me to find an exciting career opportunity following a successful work experience at the same company. I am grateful for this opportunity and look forward to learning a trade.”
Brad's new manager was keen to share his thoughts, saying:
"I was approached to buddy up with Brad for work experience… and I was more than happy to help. After spending a week together, I saw his potential and was happy to take him on as an apprentice. I look forward to mentoring him through his apprenticeship."
This success story not only demonstrates the impact of work experience on young people, but also highlights the positive effects it has on businesses who are able to identify and nurture talent to boost their workforce.
If you are an employer who would be interested in offering a work experienced placement, find out about the ways you can get involved here:
Support for Hertfordshire employers
Do you know a young person who would benefit from our support?
Refer a young person to SfYP.
Young people can talk about their future with SfYP Advisers at their local young people’s centre.
