Did you know that City in the Community (CITC) creates real employability opportunities for young people in Manchester?
The City Careers programme is delivered in areas of deprivation and aims to get participants into further education or employment, as well as creating additional health benefits.
During an eight-week course, participants work with CITC officers and staff on a series of employment workshops.
There is a focus on developing soft employability skills, such as CV and cover letter writing, interview practise and how to approach job applications.
Young people also have the opportunity to gain qualifications, such as ASDAN Level 1 Award in Employability Skills, First Aid Qualification, as well as Food Hygiene and Sale2Site Online CSCS qualifications.
Alongside qualifications, there is a real focus on developing participants as individuals, developing broader life skills, confidence, resilience, and physical and mental health, so participant feel positive and confident to develop their personal and professional lives.
This National Careers Week, we caught up with two young adults who have benefited from the programme, to find out more.
Kail and Yusef have both completed the City Careers course and are now able to work with City in the Community staff.
Yusef is now enrolled at Bolton College studying IT and completing with work experience with CITC, whilst Kail now works part-time with the charity’s delivery team.
Q: Please tell us about your City Careers experience…
Yusuf: I joined the city employability course with the Prince’s Trust and excelled in my careers understanding, as well as enhancing my CV skills. The careers experience was enjoyable and useful as it helped me improve my experience to build a portfolio with employers.
Kail: I’ve really enjoyed my time at City Careers; gaining more experience and meeting new people. The programme has helped me feel more confident in myself and help me get a job.
Q: How different do you think your life might have looked if you hadn’t taken part?
Yusuf: It would have been very different as I wouldn’t have been very independent or empowered. It’s also helped me gain the confidence to integrate with the general public. The coaches have been helpful in every possible way, helping to develop my understanding that I have the power to shape my own future.
Kail: I wouldn’t be the person I am today without the coaches at CITC and, if it wasn’t for this programme, I don’t think I’d have enough confidence to apply for jobs at all.
Q: What are your hopes for the future, and how has CITC helped you on your way to achieving these?
Yusuf: My hopes are to work in the world of football. CITC have helped me by funding my PFSA level 2 scouting badge, that I had completed in my own time.
Kail: I plan to work full-time with CITC and help people, as I have been helped.
Q: What advice would you have for other young people who may be unsure of how to choose or create a career?
Yusuf: My advice would be that you have to put time into your own career and lifestyle because it can be helpful when trying to figure out want to do. CITC can help you with this thoroughly, so that you can develop your future to access a career of your choice.
Kail: I would tell them not to miss out on the opportunity to take part in City Careers and let them know just how much the programme helps you to improve as a person.
During National Careers Week, the CITC team is encouraging young people to get in touch and take part in the City Careers programme.
Simply complete THIS FORM and a member of the team will be in touch.
