ESF PATHWAY PROGRAMME
Aim of Project
The aim of the Pathways Employability Project was to deliver effective tailored 1-2-1 employability support in a creative and interactive environment that utilises Media and Communication practices as engagement tools for delivery. The project was developed in March 2022 and launched officially in May 2022 through the successful bidding of the ESF Community Grants fund.
The purpose of the project was focused on improving the employability skills of learners from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds that are unemployed or economically inactive, providing a development bridge to those furthest away from the employment market, or in need of focused employment support into their chosen field. The aim of these activities was to ensure participants could then successfully access and sustain future employment, education, or training.
The programme aimed to support them in achieving this by:
1) Improving their digital, IT, presentational, and written skills through coaching development support.
2) Improving their social and communication skills using media production. Breaking down their barriers to progression through creative expression.
Delivery and Outcome
Overall, the Pathways Programme was very beneficial for our participants who all made significant progress towards their personal goals and employment journeys. All of the participants on the programme engaged positively in their sessions to develop both technical and personal skills including Communication Skills, Presentation Skills, Teamwork, Camera Skills, Editing Skills, Podcasting and Research Skills. Participants also reported that the programme helped them to develop employability skills including interview skills, time management, self-promotion, motivation, productivity and self-management.
7 out of the 11 participants that we engaged in the programme achieved hard outcomes including employment and training opportunities, with the remaining participants making positive steps towards their personal goals. This achievement was reflective of the intended outcome number that was submitted in the application. Our evaluations show that 100% of the participants would agree or strongly agree that the programme has helped them to develop their soft skills including confidence and improved self-esteem. These progressions will help the participants to increase their chances of sustaining employment in the future.
