Next generation starting career journey through employment support from Newcastle United Foundation

Four young adults are taking the opportunity of a lifetime as they begin their career paths following dedicated employability support from Newcastle United Foundation.

Each week, the Foundation provides targeted careers support for dozens of people from across the North East through the charity’s NU Futures programme – aiming to prepare the next generation for the world of work.

Through the Foundation’s unique connection with employers based regionally and nationwide, NU Futures participants Byron, Corey, Ella and Robert were offered apprenticeships with Kingswood – operators of residential and outdoor activity centres nationally.

Corey, a 21-year-old from Blyth, will be relocating to the Isle of Wight for his apprenticeship after gaining the knowledge, leadership and confidence he needed to start the next chapter of his life as an independent adult.

Dan Hancock, Programmes Manager at Newcastle United Foundation, said: “Corey is a great example of the lifechanging opportunities we can provide through NU Futures and our team are privileged to have been the catalyst to him achieving his potential.

“Like many young adults we work with, Corey was referred to our NU Futures engagement programme by his work coach and initially was very quiet and kept himself to himself.

“With the right support from our team, Corey began building friendships and self-confidence – in his own words, Corey was ‘buzzing’ about his overall experience. The offer of an apprenticeship with Kingswood to become an outdoor activity instructor was a very proud moment for us all.

“The NU Futures team are thrilled for Corey and all participants in the group for their hard work which has set them on a path to enjoying job roles and careers they are passionate about.”

NU Futures sector-based careers programmes combine employer engagement including industry insights and work experience visits, with skills building workshops, specialist support to secure job interviews and pre-employment qualifications.

Participants also continue to receive specialist one-to-one support after completing employability courses, ensuring young people become work ready for a variety of sectors including hospitality, retail, construction and more.

Dan added: “NU Futures creates genuine positive impact for our participants who are able to access opportunities and workplace experiences unique to our Foundation.

“The four apprentice placements secured through Kingswood will see the group working more than 300 miles away from the North East on the Isle of Wight – it becomes so much more than employment as these young people now have the opportunity to become truly independent.

“Moving away from home for the first time is a big step for anyone and is something our participants often aren’t in a position to even consider when they arrive on our courses.

“Using support from our staff, it is our aim for all NU Futures participants to build their confidence during their time with us, allowing them to leave the Foundation to achieve their personal goals and reach their full potential.”

The Foundation’s NU Futures programme is made possible through funding from the North of Tyne Combined Authority and players of People’s Postcode Lottery.

The next two-week Become an Outdoor Activity Instructor Course starts on Monday, November 6. For more information or to apply to this course or other employability courses with Newcastle United Foundation, email daniel.hancock@nufc.co.uk

For more information about the Foundation and programmes near you, follow Newcastle United Foundation on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X for regular news and updates.