Helping Young People Back into Work

Change Direction is a programme we ran in conjunction with the Job Centre Plus aimed at helping long-term unemployed young people back into work.

To do this, the programme focused on removing barriers to employment by helping the six, selected young people train for new qualifications, gain work experience within the maritime industry alongside getting CV and interview advice. The programme included a 3 day non-residential programme, a 5 day residential programme and 4 weeks of work experience at UKSA, Paul Crabb, Cowes Marina, Cheetah Marina and Isle of Wight Sea Kayaks.

Now that they have finished the programme, here is some of the feedback from the young people:

“I was introduced to an industry which I did not think was available, and now I know that I can be part of it I’m not leaving.”

“UKSA has most definitely given my life a new unique direction; something which had been lacking for three months previous to beginning the course.  I feel extremely encouraged by this course and certainly motivated to progress in this industry.  I have met new people, learnt new skills and discovered a lot about myself.”

“I am very happy with the overall programme; the work experience with other companies was really fun and interesting.”

“If I had not attended UKSA I would have been sitting at home feeling sorry for myself whilst trying hard to get a job which would prove mission impossible.”

Our Change Direction programme has been a great success with the young people completing the training to gain kayaking qualifications, producing professional CVs and getting great feedback from the companies they were placed with, some of which are looking to employ the young people with them next year.