As Cumbria Youth Alliance celebrate 25 years of empowering young people across the county, we’re sharing real stories from individuals whose lives have been positively shaped through our work. This journey highlights how the right support at the right time can lead to meaningful and lasting change.
Before CYA: Uncertainty After College
After leaving college with qualifications, including a Level 2 in Carpentry and Joinery, one of our young people found themselves at a crossroads. Eager to work but facing a common struggle of gaining experience without first being given a chance. Without a CV or interview experience, and unsure of how to navigate the job market, he was left feeling stuck and discouraged.
During CYA: Building Confidence and Opening Doors
Through the Forging Futures programme, we stepped in to provide practical support. Our team helped this young person to craft a professional CV and spent time working on confidence-building and interview skills.
We arranged a week-long work experience placement with a local company. We guided the young person through every step, right down to the right clothing, lunch, ID, and paperwork. We also supported travel plans using public transport.
We offered tailored guidance on workplace communication and social interaction. Throughout the week, we stayed in regular contact with both the young person and the host company.
The feedback from the company was overwhelmingly positive:
“Feedback from the team is good in terms of his interaction and willingness to help. He’s been on time, polite and friendly at all times.”
At the end of the placement, a job opportunity opened up within the company. We supported the application and interview process.
After CYA: A Job and a Brighter Future
Following the week of work experience the young person had, the skills in woodworking and carpentry he learnt in college led to getting a part-time role with the company. Because of his positive experience and enjoyment of the part-time role, the young person has chosen to do one day of extra voluntary work with the company every fortnight, so that he can build his base skill set.
This will contribute towards his long-term goal of acquiring new qualifications within the company, expanding his role in the maintenance team, starting with hot tub maintenance, which will require understanding the use of chemicals in water, the hygiene and the mechanisms of the hot tubs.
“I enjoyed working with Rosie and I am thankful for the help available.”