Over the past few months, learners from Northampton Saints Foundation’s Employability programmes, have embarked on a journey designed to better prepare them for the world of work.
Held over six weeks, the Foundation has delivered a series of dynamic workshops and interventions in partnership with several leading organisations.
Using the Journey to Work theory of change, this strategy employs targeted interventions to help learners understand the resources they need, while also providing opportunities to demonstrate and connect their skills with real-world experience.
The Journey to Work model began with volunteers from Barclays who led CV surgery workshops where learners received one-on-one and group guidance. The hands-on sessions allowed learners to refine how they present their skills and achievements, gaining valuable insights from professionals.
The second intervention came from Reed Recruitment, where learners engaged in interview skills workshops and visited the organ- isation’s headquarters. This experience provided a behind-the-scenes look at operations in a major recruitment company and gave learners practical advice on interview techniques and employer expectations.
The British Army delivered the third workshop, bringing in a team to run interactive team-building activities. Learners participated in practical challenges such as bridge and car building, while also hearing from serving personnel about career opportunities. The session aimed to build employability skills such as teamwork, communication and problem-solving.
In the fourth phase, Tom Bodkin, a Sport and Exercise Therapist from St Andrew’s Healthcare, led an engaging session focused on core workplace skills. Through fun and inclusive activities, participants explored themes of communication, collaboration and workplace inclusivity.
The fifth intervention was delivered by Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service, who hosted tailored workshops at various fire stations across the county. These sessions tackled real-world scenarios such as road traffic collisions and knife crime, helping learners build resil- ience, critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
The final phase welcomed Barclays volunteers back for an inter- view simulation, mock interviews, one-to-one and group interviews, allowing learners to put everything they had learnt over the past six weeks into practice.
“This is a model we’re really proud to implement,” said Craig Phillips, Northampton Saints Foundation’s Employability and Skills Manager. “The support from all our partner organisations has been incredible, and it’s clear that these interventions are making a real difference in preparing our learners for employment. Our employability department is committed to tackling the root causes of youth unemployment and disengagement, and the Journey to Work model allows us to do that in a powerful and structured way.
“By combining practical experience with targeted skills develop- ment, we’re helping to lower NEET figures, and actively working to fill the skills gaps that exist right here in our county. Our programmes, some taught in partnership with Northampton College and Tresham College, part of the Bedford College Group, are key to giving young people the confidence and capabilities they need to take that next step into education, training, or employment.”
Natalie O’Donnell from Barclays Northampton said: “We are delighted to volunteer and support all of the learners. Young people are important to the future UK workforce. It is vital that we help them to develop the core skills they need for work and break down any barriers they face in being able to reach their full potential and access all the career opportunities availability to them.”
As the Journey to Work model continues to shape the employ- ability curriculum, the Foundation is hopeful that these enriching experiences will pave the way for greater confidence, stronger skills, and successful transitions into the workforce.
Students are now busy with their Work Journey Model, a strategy designed to help them understand what is expected in the workplace. As part of this, they will explore key topics such as understanding personal boundaries, building resilience in conflicting situations, and the importance of punctuality.
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