What does the Our Future programme involve?
On the Our Future programme, you will:
- Take part in one week of paid employability skills training, with specific sessions to improve your communication, planning and teamwork skills
- Get up to two weeks of hands-on paid work experience during the school holidays
- Gain a wide variety of transferable skills that will help you stand out when applying for jobs
- Increase your awareness of the workplace
- Receive a mentor who will support you throughout the programme, give you advice and get you ready for your work experience placement and the world of work
- Gain access to employer insight sessions with organisations who have entry level job vacancies available
- Be invited to a series of alumni events, throughout your final year at school or college
Can I take part in the Our Future programme?
Young people who meet the following eligibility criteria can apply to the Our Future programme.
You must be:
- Aged between 16-19 years old at a state school or college (including pupil referral units),
- Enrolled on a full-time or part-time education course,
- Have five or less GCSE's
And either:
- Eligible for free school meals at any time in the last two years
Or
- Eligible for a college bursary or Education Maintenance Allowance (where household income is less than £24,421)
Plus, have two or more indicators from the following:
- Previous poor attendance record at school or college
- Previous demonstration of poor behaviour at school or college
- Have Special Educational Needs (SEN)
- Are a young parent or carer
- Live in a deprived area
How do I apply to join the Our Future programme?
Our Future is run on a referral basis only.
This means we require an application from a teacher, youth organisation, social worker, local council professional or support worker. If you are a young person who is keen to take part in this programme, please show this page to your contact and ask them to get in touch to see what we have available in your area.
