Nine young people from North Staffordshire have been helped into training and employment thanks to a scheme supported by investment specialist UKSE.
The organisation partnered with YMCA North Staffordshire to deliver employability bursaries, helping young people aged under 25 to take their first steps into securing training and employment.
The bursaries have so far been used to cover transport costs to interviews, photo ID, interview clothing or professional attire and basic equipment or tools specific to a young person’s role.
Among those to benefit are Demi, who secured a dream role as a support work for adults with disabilities.
She said: “The bursary support has been a total gamechanger for my job. It’s helped me with travel costs to get to my interview, induction training and my daily commute, and has made my first few weeks stress free, allowing me to focus on my work rather than how I’m going to get there and back.”
Hairdressing student Djwanna used the bursary to buy tools and equipment to complete her Level 1 and 2 hairdressing qualification and build a portfolio of work.
She said: “The funding has helped to widen and improve my skills and professional development. I’ve been able to purchase essential tools and equipment, like block heads to practice on, which has allowed me to build my confidence in the industry and flourish.
“I hope to own my own hair and beauty business one day, and having the tools and equipment to practice styles has opened more doors of opportunity for me.”
UKSE regional manager Steve Grice said: “Demi and Djwanna’s stories show exactly why we backed this scheme. We’re proud to keep supporting YMCA North Staffordshire as they help young people take their first steps into work.”
YMCA North Staffordshire business development manager Dan Johnson added: “Seeing nine young people supported through the UKSE Employability Bursaries in such a short space of time shows just how much these practical barriers were holding people back.
“Demi and Djwanna are perfect examples of what happens when those barriers are removed. We’re incredibly grateful to UKSE for their continued support.”
It is the second time the UKSE West Midlands team has helped young people at YMCA North Staffordshire. Last July, a UKSE-backed recording studio, designed to help young people gain technical skills in music recording and podcasting, experience in opened at YMCA’s Hanley site in Stoke-on-Trent.
Since 1975, UKSE, part of Tata Steel, has invested more than £115 million in businesses and helped create more than 83,000 jobs.
