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‘KickOffForWork’ Project Kickstarts Career Opportunities

14 June 2022

‘KickOffForWork’ Project Kickstarts Career Opportunities ‘KickOffForWork’ Project Kickstarts Career Opportunities

A collaboration between Corby Town Football Club and ‘Key Business Skills’ has sparked an inventive project, using sport to help local unemployed youths develop career-focused and character-empowering skills.

Footballing sessions, combined with one-to-one careers advice, has enticed unemployed youths in Corby to adopt a ‘winning mindset’ to overcome employability and confidence barriers. The ‘KickOffForWork’ project supported individuals who are often disheartened with what they could achieve in a challenging job environment. Corby Town Football Club, a well-known entity in the town who are advocates for helping the local community, were the perfect hosts to shift the learner’s mindset.

Optimism combined with action-taking was instilled in leaners from the get-go. Participants led coaching activities through sport-specific football drills and quickly harnessed leadership qualities. The learners appreciated that training groups of younger children required excellent communication skills, combined with active listening and empathy to ensure the best session possible.

In addition, learners were also mentored by ‘Key Business Skills’, a professional training business with over 17 years’ experience. Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) specialists provided dedicated management support, including CV writing and interview techniques– enhancing learner’s confidence, wellbeing and motivation.

During an interview about the project, Director of ‘Key Business Skills’, Phil Toon, commented: “We’re trying to address a number of issues here. I would certainly say youth unemployment at the moment, and the skills shortage within the Corby area. It’s notoriously known as one of the most deprived towns in the South East Midlands.

We’re trying to really boost these skills and aspirations to move people forward.”

The impact of the KickOffForWork project was very positive. “Every participant on the programme has moved into a positive outcome, either into further education or employment. The progression shown from learners shows we have certainly addressed the employability and skills issues Corby is facing.”

Throughout the interview, Learners commented on how much they enjoyed the project, and the key skills they acquired from taking part: “For me it was getting my hands dirty and getting fully involved in something that you wouldn’t get to do in everyday life. The project was something different that not many people in my area or position get to experience. We both learned patience and teamwork (from the coaching activities), and being willing to adapt to our plan and to the size and ability of the group we were coaching.”

Another learner completed a project questionnaire and commented: “I really enjoyed all of the sessions and taking part in various activities. The key skills I gained included attending sessions on time, being organized and having a structured routine. I also learned how to mix and socialise with different groups of people.”

The ‘KickOffForWork’ project was funded by the South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership’s (SEMLEP’s) Community Grants programme. The programme offers Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprises grants of between £10,000 to £20,000 to help people most isolated to get back into work or training. Read more about the inspiring impact of our Community Grants projects here: https://bit.ly/3jExVP2

For more information on ‘Key Business Skills’, click here: https://bit.ly/3FzBhMd

What was the application process like, working with SEMLEP?

“One thing that was very helpful during our application process was working with Allison. She was very helpful with getting everything completed. For example, when things might not have gone to plan, Alisson was always there to steer us in the right direction”.

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