For many young people, one of the biggest barriers to finding their first job is also one of the hardest to overcome: you need experience to get a job, but you need someone to give you an opportunity to gain that experience.
Eight young people being supported by Seetec in Plymouth are now taking an important step towards breaking that cycle, thanks to a fantastic opportunity with local rugby club, Plymouth Albion.
Through Seetec’s relationship with the club, the group were invited to Plymouth Albion for a behind-the-scenes introduction to the workplace, giving them an opportunity to experience a real working environment and demonstrate what they could offer an employer.
The day included a tour of the grounds, a taster of working behind the bar and group interviews with Nicola, the club’s manager.
All eight arrived early and smartly dressed, approaching their interviews professionally and giving strong, considered answers. Nicola was particularly impressed by the quality of the candidates and how well they presented themselves throughout the day.
And their efforts paid off – all eight young people were offered a paid trial shift with Plymouth Albion in August.
Turning potential into experience
The opportunity is about much more than adding a first job to a CV.
During their trial shifts, the young people will receive training and have the chance to develop practical workplace skills in a supportive environment. They’ll experience what it means to work as part of a team, interact with customers and build the confidence that comes from putting their skills into practice.
Whatever comes next, that experience can make a real difference. Having something tangible to talk about with future employers can help young people demonstrate their abilities, strengthen their CVs and feel more confident when applying and interviewing for other roles.
It is also a great example of the difference employers can make by looking beyond someone’s previous experience and instead recognising their attitude, enthusiasm and potential.
Working together to create opportunities in Plymouth
At Seetec, we work closely with local employers to understand their recruitment needs while creating opportunities for the people we support to overcome the barriers standing between them and employment.
Our relationship with Plymouth Albion is a fantastic example of how those partnerships can work in practice – giving young people the chance to experience a workplace, prove themselves to an employer and take that all-important first step.
A huge thank you to Nicola and everyone at Plymouth Albion for welcoming the group, recognising their potential and giving all eight young people the opportunity to show what they can do.
We look forward to seeing how they get on during their trial shifts and where this experience takes them next.
