Every journey starts with someone who believes in you.
“Working with young people, I’ve learnt that a lot of them just need time, patience and someone consistent around them.”
– Matt, Inspire Work Coach
When people think about employment support, they often picture CV writing, interview preparation and job searching. Those things are an important part of the role, but they’re only one piece of the puzzle.
The National Youth Strategy highlights the importance of trusted adults in young people’s lives. It’s something we’ve seen first hand for years. Before many young people feel ready to apply for a job, they often need someone to help rebuild their confidence, work through setbacks and recognise strengths they don’t always see in themselves.
Every young person who walks through our doors brings different experiences, ambitions and challenges, which means no two days look the same for our Work Coaches. Some young people benefit from structured employability support, while others need opportunities to build confidence before they’re ready to think about applications or interviews. The support always starts with the individual, and our coaches adapt their approach to meet young people where they are.
Across the team, that flexibility takes many different forms. Tony developed an employability course that combines practical workplace skills with interview preparation and confidence building. James has introduced tabletop gaming sessions that encourage communication, teamwork and social confidence in a relaxed environment, while Molly’s wellbeing walks in Felixstowe recognise that some conversations happen more naturally side by side than across a desk. Matt is always looking for opportunities that help young people gain experience, connect with employers and recognise the progress they’re making.
Those are just a few examples. Every Work Coach brings their own ideas, experience and personality to the role, but they all share the same goal: helping young people move forward in a way that works for them.
When we asked young people about their experiences, it was striking how often they talked about the people who had supported them, rather than simply the practical help they had received.
Gemma told us:
“Matt has helped boost my confidence in job hunting. I’ve believed in myself more since I joined Inspire and I can see how much I’ve grown with Inspire. I’ve put myself out there more than before by networking at places I’d love to work. I got myself a side job with an art studio doing the things I love. I highly appreciate all the help Matt has provided me, encouraging me to never give up and see things through.”
Jacob said:
“Matt has helped me word my CV properly and understand what employers are looking for. The support has also helped with job applications and training courses, and he has been really understanding.”
Leon shared:
“The support from Inspire has helped me gain confidence in applying for jobs and helped me get into college. Matt is a very nice and caring person.”
Brandon reflected on Tony’s employability course:
“I really enjoyed the course because it helped me with interview skills and my confidence.”
Alfie added:
“It has helped me build my confidence with interviews and create a stronger CV. I feel more prepared now when applying for jobs and speaking to employers.”
Looking across those experiences, it’s easy to see that while every journey is different, there are some common themes. Young people talk about practical support, feeling more confident and being better prepared for the future, but they also remember something less tangible. They remember people who listened, encouraged them and gave them the confidence to keep moving forward, even when progress felt slow.
Of course, Inspire doesn’t do this work alone. Helping young people move into employment relies on employers and organisations across Suffolk that are willing to invest in the next generation and create opportunities that simply wouldn’t exist otherwise.
Some partnerships help young people discover careers they may never have considered. Fred. Olsen has welcomed young people aboard one of its cruise ships through careers insight events, giving them the opportunity to explore the maritime industry, meet professionals and gain an insight into the wide range of careers available within the sector.
Other partnerships create direct routes into employment. GMA Warehousing has supported young people into apprenticeships, helping turn confidence and potential into long-term careers.
Alongside them, many other businesses and organisations have supported our young people through workplace visits, mentoring, mock interviews, work experience placements and employment opportunities. Every partnership is different, but each one helps young people build experience, broaden their horizons and take another step towards the future they want.
Youth Employment Week provides an opportunity to celebrate those collective efforts. Behind every young person who secures a job, starts an apprenticeship or returns to education are the people who encouraged them, supported them and opened doors along the way.
Ready to take your next step?
Whether you’re looking for your first job, exploring your options, returning to education or simply working out what comes next, our Work Coaches are here to help. We’ll work alongside you to build confidence, develop your skills and help you take your next step.
Find out more about Planning Your Next Step:
Planning your next step
Could your organisation help build the next generation?
If your organisation could offer work experience, apprenticeships, mentoring, workplace visits or employment opportunities, we’d love to hear from you.
Find out how your organisation can help build the next generation:
Build the next generation
