As it is National Careers Week 2022, we wanted to highlight Alfie’s journey so far, with Blackpool FC Community Trust.
Alfie’s journey started back in 2020 when he enrolled onto our Traineeship programme. The Traineeship programme supports young people 16 – 24 years of age, who are not in education, employment or training (NEET) – read more.
“The Traineeship was recommended to me after I completed a 12-week personal development programme with the Prince’s Trust. I wanted to continue to enhance and develop my skills, so I considered the opportunity and I joined the Traineeship. On the course, they helped me improve my; CV writing skills, team-building skills, interpersonal skills and leadership skills.
They explored opportunities for me to apply for jobs and found a place for me to volunteer on a work placement with Redeeming Our Communities, a charity that helps vulnerable people maintain their gardens. Unfortunately, halfway through the programme, it was postponed due to Covid -19, but the Blackpool FC Community Trust staff continued to help me throughout the pandemic with regular calls to check up on me.”
Alfie continued to volunteer with Redeeming Our Communities and due to his dedication, they offered him a part-time role two days a week in addition to his volunteering hours. He continued to work there until some time in April 2021 when Rick, our Employability Support Manager, contacted him with regards to a KickStart position through the new Government scheme.
| Kickstart Scheme |
“The role was for a programme called NCS which was a similar programme to the Prince’s Trust. Having taken part in the programme myself, I was aware of the effect it can have on people’s lives. I jumped at the chance and applied. I was successful and they offered me a 25-hour contract on the Kickstarter Scheme which is funded by the Government to help people move into employment.
“On the Kickstart Scheme, I completed my Level 3 First Aid qualification, safeguarding courses and other qualifications that I needed for this role. As part of the NCS team, we visited schools and colleges to recruit for our programme and delivered skill booster sessions. We delivered seven NCS programmes to young people across Blackpool to help them gain confidence, meet new people, learn new skills and make a difference to the local community around us.”
“My Kickstart experience with Blackpool FC Community Trust helped build my confidence and opened my eyes to potential job opportunities that I would never have thought about previously.”
Alfie’s attitude to work-life impressed numerous members of staff around the Community Trust.
Chris, Social Action Manager said:
“During Alfie’s time working within the NCS team, Alfie has developed both himself and his skills within the department. Improving his confidence, leadership skills and ability to inspire others.
Alfie quickly became an asset to the team through his ability to quickly learn new ways of working and processes to ensure the young people on NCS had an amazing experience.”
Alfie said, “Once my Kickstart contract finished, the Blackpool FC Community Trust kept me on casual hours for a short period of time. It was then that I saw the position for an apprenticeship.”
Alfie is currently employed as part of an apprenticeship for a Level 3 Business Admin which is a 19-month course.
“I started this role at the beginning of February. I’m looking forward to learning new skills and developing more as a person. So far I have been exploring data collection and statistics to help boost our Social Media accounts. I’m excited to see the pathways that open up after I complete this and earn a qualification.”
Alfie’s piece of advice for anyone confused or doubting themselves when starting to consider which pathway to take for their career:
“Surround yourself with people that will lift you higher”.
| For more information about how our team can support you to kickstart your career, click: Traineeships, BTEC Sport and Degree. |
