Way Into Work
Way Into Work is a drama-based approach to developing work readiness and exploring career goals. The intervention uses theatre performance, interactive workshops, practical activities and mock interviews to help young people identify their strengths and goals, preparing them for their next career steps.
Young people work with positive role models and ‘near-peers’ who better reflect the lived experiences of the group, and practice speaking positively about themselves throughout the programme, identifying their goals, skills and experiences.
Our facilitators are trained to engage, teach and empower these young individuals. Enabling respectful and positive identities amongst the group.
The Process
First, young people start by seeing a short play performed by our facilitators about… and give advice to the central character.
They then act as an interview panel and give feedback to an actor in role, exploring what makes a positive interview, considering body language, communication skills and thinking about what employers might be looking for.
At the end of the programme, group takes turns taking part in a mock interview with a panel of volunteers. The volunteers are industry professionals from a range of career backgrounds.
Outcomes
Young people who have been enrolled into the programme, from Southwark’s Youth Justice Service, frequently feedback that the sessions are very fun, supportive, positive and purposeful. Some young people have been offered work-experience opportunities from panel volunteers afterwards and many participants share that they feel more prepared for work.
“It was good, like I said you get to learn from what you’re doing, what you’re doing in that session and what it’s based on. You get to learn and see where the mistakes are and where you can actually like progress from there and you could actually like relate to the situation.”
Over the course of the programme, we see the growth in confidence, knowledge and skills in the young people. They know why they are taking part in the programme and know what they want to take away from it.
To discuss partnering with us on Way Into Work please email our Senior Producer, natalie@londonbubble.org.uk.