BOOST
Employability & Enterprise Programme
Spaces available for the next term!
Do you or a young person you know:
- feel unsure about what you want to do for your career because you have not had a chance to try many jobs?
- feel anxious or nervous about applying for jobs or attending interviews?
- have a lack of confidence that is holding you back from achieving your goals?
- need to put more experiences on your CV but are struggling to get work hands on experience?
- have an idea, hobby or passion that you would like to turn into a business so you can work for yourself?
- want to meet new people and have fun whilst boosting your career prospects?
- then the Boost Employability programme could be right for you!
Job Club provides opportunities to look for vacancies, work on applications and prepare for interviews, with support from our Boost staff and volunteers. You can also work towards a King's Trust Award in Personal Development and Employability.
The Boost Employability & Enterprise Programme means attending a two and a half hour session once a week for 12 weeks and is part workshop, part doing: you will learn job-hunting skills in the first half, then put them into practice in the second.
In all stages of the job application process, you will be supported, with regards to:
· finding jobs to apply for;
· researching careers, employers and companies;
· understanding workplace behaviours and developing work ready skills;
· learning how to boost your CV;
· writing cover letters;
· and preparing for interviews.
You can focus on your own goals during the second part of the session, whether that is working towards training or employment, or developing their own youth led business start-up.
BOOST Programme Benefits
- Experiential projects to give practical, CV boosting opportunities
- Real work base experience in a range of youth led business projects
- Self-employment and own business opportunities supported
- Industry linked enterprise challenges
- CV & work ready skills
- Business planning and advice
Learn more about what we do from us and the BBC!
Next steps...
Schools & Authorities
If you are working with a young person who you think might benefit from this programme, please either get in touch to discuss their case or send in a referral. Every engagement is tailored to provide the most effective package of support that meets the young persons needs, so we will require as much information as you can provide us with such as their educational history, any risk assessments, official documentation such as an EHCP, and any safeguarding context.
Young People
If you think this programme might be helpful for you we would love to hear from you! You can self-refer for our programmes and we will work with you to decide how we can best support you, identify any funding options, and make sure we fully understand how you need us to work with you so that you get the best out of the programme. The more you can tell us about yourself the better – understanding things like your hobbies, career goals and any fears or challenges you have helps us to make sure we can meet your needs. Get in touch if you would like to discuss how we can help or dive straight in and make a referral for yourself if you’re super keen!
Parents & Carers
Our range of programmes have all been designed to support young people at various stages of life who may be experiencing a range of different challenges. If you think that one of our programmes might be able to help a young person you are caring for please do get in touch to discuss their needs and how we could put together a bespoke package of support to help. We work closely with other agencies to make sure that we can provide wrap around support, so any information you can provide us with regarding their educational history, any mental health or lifestyle challenges, and any additional needs they have it is hugely helpful to make sure we can support them as effectively as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the next programme running and when can I sign up?
The Boost Employability & Enterprise Programme runs for 12 weeks in two six-week blocks. The next programme starts on January 6th and runs until March 31st with a one-week break on the 17th of February. You can sign up at any time but might need to wait until the next six-week block for the next term of the programme to start before you can join.
Do you want to take part or make a referral for a young person?
Download the form below and return to referrals@platformproject.co.uk
Places will be allocated during December.
A member of the Boost Employability & Enterprise Programme team will contact you to discuss your referral, gather any further information needed and answer any questions you may have.
When are the BOOST sessions
Job Club runs every week on a Tuesday between 3.00 and 5.30pm. Try to arrive 15 minuted before so the session starts on time, and you will need to arrive promptly at the end of the session so we can lock up the building on time.
How long is the programme?
Each programme runs for 12 weeks with a one-week break after six weeks, and we run 3 programmes each year.
What are the dates of the next programme?
First 6 weeks: January 6th - February 10th
Second six weeks: February 24th - March 31st.
Where do I need to go?
The Platform Project, Unit 2, Lancaster House, Edison Park, Hindle Way, Swindon, SN3 3RT
How do I get there by bus?
If you are travelling by bus, the number 13 & 14 services come to Dorcan from the Town Centre, and the reccomended stop is Stubsmead, near Morrisons. Use the underpass to get to the other side of the road and walk straight until you turn left into Edison Park.
Can I cycle over on my bike?
If you are travelling by bike, there is a bike rack at the front of the building where you can lock your bike (don't forget to bring your chain / lock and use the cycle paths).
What should I bring?
All equipment, handouts and stationery is provided. If you would like, you can bring snacks to eat during the session.
What should I wear?
Wear what you feel comfortable in that is appropriate for a small business office.
Who else will be there?
There will be a maximum of 12 participants in each session, and everyone will be aged between 16 and 24. But don't worry - everyone feels anxious when they start something new and everyone in the group is in the same boat so will understand how you are feeling. We help you get to know each other quickly and people often find new friends from our programmes.
Safeguarding
This organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all of our staff and volunteers to share this commitment because we believe that safeguarding is everybody’s responsibility. All postholders (paid staff AND volunteers) are expected to work in line with our safeguarding and child protection policies and procedures and all positions are subject to an Enhanced DBS check and check against the barred lists via the Disclosure and Barring Service.