During week one practical activities, similar to those used for building teams in business training, and exercises which help individuals discover what they want to do with their lives are empowering young people on the REEP pilot to turn their thinking into action. Week one was an intensive time which stretched participants within a positive and encouraging environment. Already, confidence is improving and planning an achievable way forward is well underway. Specially trained REEP Mentors visited the programme mid week to meet the young people to whom they had been partnered. Meanwhile, the Motiv8-SW team are gathering and collating information about the type of work or training participants would like to do. On Friday 13th February participants will make presentations to potential employers as well as celebrating their completion of this phase of the programme.
Photo foreground: (L) Cath White, Exeter City Council, and (R) Mark Shepherd, Exeter and Heart of Devon Employment and Skills Board
Young people struggling to find work have the opportunity to boost their job prospects thanks to a Rugby World Cup 2015 inspired project set up by the Exeter and the Heart of Devon Employment and Skills Board together with Exeter City Council.
Launched at Sandy Park on Tuesday 16th December 2014 with Exeter Chiefs’ stars including Luke Cowan Dickie and Sam Hill, the pilot programme uses sporting values: preparation, commitment, hard work, skill and collaboration, to inspire 16–24 year olds giving them new life skills and confidence to help them progress into the work place, an apprenticeship or further training.
The programme starts with a full-time two week intensive programme followed by weekly support from specially trained volunteer mentors over several months through their transition to employment, education or training. Those who successfully reach their goals will be rewarded with tickets to a Rugby World Cup 2015 match at Sandy Park for themselves and their mentor.
Cllr Rosie Denham, Exeter City Council’s Lead Councillor for Economy and Culture, said: “we’re focusing on supporting young people who have struggled to take that first step on their career ladder, building their confidence, skills and business know how. The pilot project is part of our work to make sure young people see the benefits from Exeter being a Host City for next year’s Rugby World Cup.”
Working with Motiv-8sw, Job Centre Plus, Active Devon, Exeter Chiefs, Exeter City Football Club, Parkwood Leisure, Careers South West, Exeter Saracens and St Loye’s Foundation, the City Council and Exeter and Heart of Devon Employment and Skills Board are working with young people aged 16-24 who are currently out of work or in receipt of Job Seekers Allowance.
Devon-based leadership and team development experts Sampson Hall have led similar initiatives in other parts of the UK and will be running the programme in partnership with Motiv-8sw.
Phil Sampson, Director of Motiv-8sw, said: “This programme has been extremely successful in helping young people discover what they want to do with their life and it empowers them to actually turn their thinking into action. It’s proven to get results which is why we’re excited to be linking with Exeter City Council and the other partners to make a positive difference to the lives of young people.”
Mark Shepherd, Chair for the Exeter and the Heart of Devon Employment and Skills Board, said: “Improving the skills and employment opportunities of all our young people in and around Exeter is a priority for the Employment and Skills Board. This project is an exciting opportunity for the young people involved and for the partners who have been working together to make it possible.”
Greater Exeter Skills Partnership is an independent body and voice for employers, aiming to improve employment across Devon and beyond.
Greater Exeter Skills Partnership 