![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.cxk.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/pexels-jeffrey-reed-769746-300x200.jpg\")
I decided to join the Step Up programme with CD Training, as I was unemployed and wanted to develop some skills and build my confidence to help me get in the best position to find work.<\/p>\nI decided to join the Step Up programme with CD Training, as I was unemployed and wanted to develop some skills and build my confidence to help me get in the best position to find work.<\/p>\n
I had some previous work experience installing security cameras for a firm \u2013 however, due to the distance and the location of the work, I had to give that up and move back home with my parents. From that point, I struggled to find work. I was applying for jobs, but due to my lack of experience or location, I was unsuccessful.<\/p>\n
Ultimately I wanted to find work in the construction industry, and to do project work that I found engaging as well as earning an income, and this was something the Step Up project could help me develop the skills for. I also wanted to develop my people skills.<\/p>\n
I had some basic skills gaps, so did a basic IT qualification initially, which then helped me throughout the Health & Safety exams that I had to take for my CSCS qualification. The training also helped improve my confidence in the classroom. I was in a group of 6 for the training, and the group work and team building exercises helped me improve my social skills and confidence. In total, I completed 5 courses including ICT, Health 7 Safety knowledge and employability skills. I was then linked with an employer who was offering a Kickstart placement.<\/p>\n
I attended an interview and secured a 6-month Kickstart work placement – working to renovate a local community centre into a youth centre. So having joined Step Up originally to get further qualifications and to build my confidence, I left the programme with paid work!<\/p>\n
CXK\u2019s Step Up is a bespoke training programme to engage and support NEET (not in education, employment or training) 16-24 year olds in Kent and Medway, East Sussex, Essex, Thurrock and Southend. The programme is designed to support their personal development and\/or to help in preparing them to move on to an apprenticeship, traineeship, further education, or work<\/p>\n
Funded by the European Social Fund (ESF), the programme looks to address the rising number of 16-24 year olds claiming out of work benefits as a result of the pandemic.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n About the European Social Fund<\/strong><\/p>\n The project is receiving \u00a32m of funding from the European Social Fund as part of the 2014-2020 European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme in England. The Department for Work and Pensions (and in London the intermediate body Greater London Authority) is the Managing Authority for the England European Social Fund programme. Established by the European Union, the European Social Fund helps local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support skills development, employment and job creation, social inclusion and local community regenerations.\u00a0 For more information visit: England 2014 to 2020 European Structural and Investment Funds.<\/p>\n I decided to join the Step Up programme with CD Training, as I was unemployed and wanted to develop some skills and build my confidence to help me get in the best position to find work. I had some previous work experience installing security cameras for a firm \u2013 however, due to the distance and […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":17,"featured_media":5631,"template":"","acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.cxk.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/LogoESF_Col_Landscape-300x67.png\")
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.cxk.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/crossland-and-dudson-300x37.png\")
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"