Young people in Hull are getting help to climb the career ladders in creative and cultural roles.
Create To Change is a Goodwin Development Trust employment initiative aimed at young adults aged from 16 to 29 who live in Hull.
The programme, set up in March 2017, provides with paid work opportunities and experience for young people who want get involved in the creative and cultural sectors.
The initiative’s latest cohort has seen eight young people gain paid placements in city with Hull City Ladies FC, Goodwin Development Trust, media company UnCrazed, marketing firm Bloom Creative and clothing outlet Urban Trendz.
Jan, of Dolly Daydreams, was helped by the Goodwin Trust to set up her small events business five years ago.
In turn, she has helped Create to Change applicant Lyndon to thrive in a role with her company over a 16-week paid placement.
She worked hard as a disability-confident employer to make simple adjustments for Lyndon, who has cerebral palsy.
She said: “Create to Change has been extremely beneficial to me. I was looking for someone I could train up to work by my side, who would get stuck in and offer new ideas. I also wanted to give something back, as I knew I would enjoy helping someone develop their skills.
Dolly Daydreams, a caravan party company in Hull, has welcomed aboard a Create to Change applicant.
“Lyndon started working with me in August and it has been a pleasure to watch him grow into this role. He is always so smart, well-presented and always has a big smile on his face. He has been a real asset at my events this summer, where his confidence has soared along with his enthusiasm and new ideas. Just what I was looking for.”
Employers benefit from a fully subsidised 330-hour placement worker and have access to Create to Change key workers for guidance and regular reviews.
After their strengths and ambitions are assessed, successful candidates complete a two-week induction with key workers before being matched with suitable roles.
A permanent job is made available where possible at the end of the placement. If one is not available, key workers will support employees with job searches.
“We are really proud of the impact that Create to Change has had on the careers of some of the city’s young people,” said Kelsie Collinson of Create to Change.
“This project gives young people the chance to work in a vibrant and creative industry for small, thriving companies with support from experienced key-workers.
A big shout out to #createtochange project workers #Rachael & #Kelsie who invited me and my VIPs along to their SME #networking event to meet with all the wonderful #creatives @GoodwinDevTrust I know it sounds #cheesy but we really had a #grate time 👇🏻 #creativesector #abilities pic.twitter.com/m9S9WMMYC7
— I.C.E. Ability (@Humber_01) February 7, 2020
“And businesses get the chance to play a vital mentorship role can help equip the next generation of creative workers with the skills, knowledge and passion to further shape Hull’s creative and cultural industry. It really is a win-win for the successful applicant and the employer.”
To offer employment or for more information, call 01482 587550 or email RFoster@goodwintrust.org or KCollinson@goodwintrust.org.
