Upcycle Your Skills - Maidstone

How can I get involved?

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Sign Up: Complete Our Referral Form

Make a Referral: Complete our Referral Form

Have Questions?

Call: 01233 224 244

Key Information

Upcycle your Skills is a free, 5-week programme designed to support young people in Maidstone who are not in education, employment or training (NEET), or are at risk of becoming NEET.

Developed in partnership with SUEZ and Maidstone Borough Council, the programme offers a mix of group workshops, 1:1 goal-setting, and exclusive access to employer insight sessions – including the opportunity to interview for live vacancies with SUEZ.

Benefits

How It Works

Upcycle Your Skills offers young people a safe, supportive space to build confidence, develop practical skills, and overcome challenges that may be holding them back.

Over five weeks, participating young people take part in a structured, supportive programme designed to build confidence, grow essential skills, and prepare for what comes next.

It all begins with a one-to-one goal setting session in Week 1, where each participant is given space to talk through their situation, interests, and challenges with a dedicated CXK mentor. Together, they set clear, personal goals to work towards over the course of the programme.

From Week 2 onwards, participants join twice-weekly group sessions in Maidstone, led by experienced CXK mentors. These small group sessions are interactive, friendly, and focused on topics such as:

Team building and communication
Identifying your strengths and transferable skills
CV writing, applications, and job searching
Interview practice and mock interviews
Exploring local training, apprenticeships, and education options

Alongside this, participants gain exclusive access to SUEZ – a major local employer – through meet-and-greet sessions, behind-the-scenes insight, and even the opportunity to interview for live vacancies with the company.

What makes this programme different is the level of personalised support. Our mentors understand that many young people face barriers beyond just job readiness. They’re there to help participants access wider support too, whether that’s mental health services, housing advice, or referrals to local training providers.

In the final week, participants celebrate their achievements at a special event where they review their goals, plan next steps, and receive a certificate of completion.

Whether your next step is a job, an apprenticeship, a course, or simply feeling more confident about your future, Upcycle helps you get there – with the right support behind you.