Supporting young people post-COVID-19
With the impact of COVID-19 creating an even more challenging job market, the Damilola Taylor Trust is launching a programme to support young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to improve their future prospects and develop the skills that they need to find employment.
The ‘I Am Change Career Search and Skills Development’ programme is open to Londoners aged 17-24 years old with little or no work experience. Through the programme, young people will learn how to overcome the challenges and barriers to employment. They will build their confidence and improve their skills in communication, job hunting, interviews and CV writing, paving the way to future employment.
Running from May to September 2021, the programme will consist of a series of weekly sessions and Development Days delivered online and face-to-face (subject to COVID-19 restrictions).
Programme outline:
May - ‘I Am Change’ workshops to help boost confidence, and build resilience and mental toughness, delivered once a week for 6 weeks.
June - A digital skills training workshop, access to the Circus Street training catalogue for self-directed online learning, and a mindfulness support session.
July - Fortnightly peer coaching sessions and a CV Clinic Development Day.
August – Fortnightly peer coaching sessions and an Interview and Presentation Development Day.
September – Fortnightly peer coaching sessions, a Networking Development Day and a special graduation ceremony.
Richard Taylor OBE said, “Many of the vulnerable young people that we support are already at a disadvantage. Post-COVID-19, our fear is that they will be left further behind. Through this programme, we will help these young people improve their self-confidence, develop their skills and find their way into gainful employment in a post-COVID-19 world.”
The programme is open to all 17-24 year olds living in London. However, those living in the boroughs of Southwark, Lambeth and Croydon are particularly encouraged to apply. It is being run in partnership with 2020 Change and HUDL CIC with funding from BBC Children in Need and Youth Futures COVID-19 emergency support.
To apply, please click on the button below to complete our application form by Friday 6 May 2021.