Michael has kickstarted his administration career with a work experience placement at St Helens Chamber, and has built the confidence and skills he needed to secure a full time Apprenticeship at Inspire Childrens Services.
Michael worked closely with the Young People’s Development team to build up his skills and break down the barriers he was encountering to get into work throughout his placement.
Michael explained: “On my first day I couldn’t bring myself to actually come up, I was terrified and worried I wouldn’t be able to do it. Then met Adam and Rebecca from the Young People’s Development team who both assured me there was nothing to worry about.
“Rebecca told me that I wasn’t going to be forced to do anything I didn’t or couldn’t do, and I felt a lot better and was able to come up and join the team.”
Before starting his work experience placement, Michael completed a Fast Track to Employment course with the Chamber – which combines employability training with work experience and short, skill boosting courses to get young people ready to work, no matter what stage they are at.
Michael added: “When I progressed onto work experience from the Fast Track programme, I felt like I was a part of the team straight away, I was welcomed and supported throughout my time here too.
“Whenever I felt anxious, I felt safe enough to ask for help from anyone in the team and was given the support I needed; this support allowed me to learn so much about what it is like to be in a work environment and about the different roles within the company.”
During the programme, students work on developing their skills in their chosen sector (such as Business Administration, Childcare, Customer Service and more).
After working on their background knowledge, work experience then allows learners to develop practical skills and boost their confidence, particularly if they have never been in a work environment before.
Michael commented: “During my placement I learned how to be a part of a team and to communicate with staff of all levels across the business, and this will really help me in my career.
“When I was given an administration task, Adam made sure to show me what needed to be done and how to do it; so, I was never left to figure it out by myself and was able to ask questions whenever I needed to which really helped me to learn.”
Fast Track to Employment programmes run regularly and can help young people work towards their dream careers in a range of different sectors. Throughout the programme. Michael has overcome issues with his confidence and is now ready to take on the next stage of his career with experience and skills behind him.
Michael explained: “The whole team has changed my life in a way I thought wouldn’t be possible, and the work experience placement has given me the confidence I needed in order to progress in life and to be able to start a career.
“I’m now starting a Apprenticeship with Inspire Childrens Services, and I’m excited to continue to learn in my role.”
To find out more about kickstarting your dream career with the Fast Track to Employment programme, visit https://www.sthelenschamber.com/startingpoint/fast-track-to-employment/ or call on 01744 698800
