Venture Trust’s Change Cycle employability programme supports young people not in work, education or training, facing long term unemployment and/or disadvantage. to build aspiration, motivation and self-confidence while developing key employability skills.
During the course participants learn about building their own bike and bike maintenance, as well as being taught cycle and road safety. They acquire the skills and tools to strengthen personal and employability skills, receive certified SQA and Bike Mechanic training and combine all of this learning and experience into a “fit for purpose” CV. All participants create a personal learning and career development plan before completing a 4-week work placement or a series of work experience days, motivational talks, career Q&As and the recruitment process from local and national businesses.
Recently a group of young people aged 16-24 completed their 8-week Change Cycle employability course delivered on partnership with The Bike Station and we caught up with them to see how it went.
On their final day of the course, the group visited the Seafield Cat and Dog Home to learn about the kind of opportunities and careers are available working with animals. At this stage of the course, the young people have completed 4 weeks in a workshop and training environment and are completing their final 4 weeks of work-placement environment.
One of the young people, Reece, felt like he benefited a lot from the employability team and will now be starting his first job.
“I wanted to get into work and thought Change Cycle could help. We put together my CV and although I’ve never applied for a job before, I got invited to an interview straight away. Venture Trust helped prep me for the interview, so I knew how to present myself and what to wear. I got offered the job and will be starting work at the new St. James Quarter soon.”
Another young person, Aiden, is really keen on bike mechanics and enjoyed the first 4 weeks spent in a workshop. During this part of the course young people learn about building their own bike and bike maintenance, as well as being taught cycle and road safety. They are given the tools to strengthen personal and employability skills, receive certified SQA and bike mechanic training and combine all of this learning and experience into a “fit for purpose” CV. All participants will create a personal learning and career development plan before completing a 4-week work placement.
“Building a bike was my favourite part of the course. I’ve always had an interest in bikes and now the workshop has confirmed for me that’s what I want to do. I’m now going to college to study mechanical engineering.”
Participants will get to keep their bike and receive cycling kit to help them ride safely to job interviews, access support services and travel to work or college.
Following the course, support will be provided from Venture Trust’s Employability Team which is guided by each young person’s individual goals and personal action plans.
We would like to thank a number of business and workplaces who gave Change Cycle a tour and gave young people the information they need if they would like to start a career in that area.
Tesco, Assai Records, Preachers Bakery, The Fudge House, North Face, Ibis hotel, Isle of Skye Candle Company, Harley Davidson, Helly Hanson, Serv-U Electrical Company and the Edinburgh Cat and Dog Home.
