Real life stories

Real examples of how the Work Programme, work experience and wage incentives are helping young people into work.

• Work Programme real life stories
• Work experience real life stories
• Wage incentives real life stories

How the Work Programme is helping young people into work

• Emma was concerned that her epilepsy could affect job opportunities

Emma’s Work Programme adviser at North Doncaster Development Trust helped her look and apply for suitable work and build her confidence.

• Jade had a BTEC qualification in care, but had been unable to find a job

"Ingeus helped me because they were always willing to see me. They helped me find websites that I had never heard of and gave me other ideas on how to look for a job."

How work experience is helping young people into work

• Work experience gave Jonathon a huge confidence boost

Jonathan had found it difficult to talk to people at school but by the end of his work experience placement the firm had no hesitation in hiring him.

• Liam needed to prove he would be a valued employee

Liam’s Jobcentre Plus personal adviser recognised his potential and arranged work experience at local Civil Engineering Contractors, Storie Argyll Ltd.

• Callum was keen to get into the building trade but had no experience

Callum’s Jobcentre Plus personal adviser helped him identify how to make the most of the skills and knowledge and broaden his job search.

• Cheryl wasn’t given a chance until she had work experience

Cheryl agreed to a work experience placement with a charitable organisation for people with a range of disabilities and her confidence grew.

• Rebecca graduated from Nottingham Trent University but could not secure a job

Rebecca's eight week placement at Serco built her skill-set as well as her confidence.

How wage incentives are helping young people into work

• Meg’s sweet shop

The wage incentive helped the owners of Meg's sweet shop to set on a new employee and keep the business running.

• Stafford and Rural Homes (SARH)

A Stafford housing association is making a difference to its local community and taken on ten young people through the Work programme.

• Lucas was living with his parents and struggling to find work

The wage incentive encouraged Hallett’s Convenience Store to give a chance to Lucas that they otherwise could not have done.

• Distribution company Instant Logistics was unsure how to recruit the right person

Work Programme provider Pertemps People Development advised how wage incentives could help recruit two new starters, including Katie.