Getting hands-on – innovative residential supports young jobseekers
Young jobseekers participating in our delivery of the DWP Restart Scheme have taken part in a new five-day work-focused residential programme to improve their skills, experience and job prospects.
Our ‘Future Ready’ residential was developed in partnership with Parkdean Resorts, the UK’s largest holiday park operator. It brought together 29 18–24-year-old from across Clacton, Colchester, Cambridge and Peterborough with the aim of building their confidence, developing their workplace skills and exploring their career opportunities. The initiative forms part of our plans to develop more innovative ways to support young people who are not currently in education, employment or training (NEET).
The residential programme provided access to personal development sessions and the opportunity for young people to try their hand at real work tasks, along with recreational and social activities.
After arriving and getting settled in, the young people took part in five days of guided activity.
Employer insight sessions were facilitated by resort staff, providing the young people with insights into the wide range of careers available at a company like Parkdean Resorts – from customer-facing roles, service positions and back-office careers. The sessions also provided guidance on workplace expectations, progression opportunities and the practical and soft skills most valued by employers.
Alongside this, participants completed a structured programme of personal development activities focused on confidence building, communication, teamwork, resilience and career planning. This included team-building exercises, navigating employability challenges, personal reflection sessions and future career planning, helping the young people to identify their strengths and build evidence they can use in future job applications and interviews.
Afternoons were spent taking part in recreational group activities provided at the resort, including high ropes, swimming and archery.
The residential provided an opportunity for participants to experience new environments and situations: for many, the week represented their first experience of staying away from home, meeting large groups of new people and taking part in a structured residential programme.
All 29 young people completed all five days of the residential, with reports of increased confidence, improved understanding of employment opportunities and greater motivation for the future.
Samantha, from Colchester, said:
I was anxious to come here first. I decided to join the residential because I thought it'd be a new experience and an opportunity to meet new people. I've learned that it's good to try new things and come out of your comfort zone and speak to new people. The more you talk to people, the more confident you feel. I feel good. I'm happy that I came on the trip, it was worth it.
Another participant, Sean, from Cambridge, said:
I decided to join this residential to improve my self-confidence, make new friends, see how others work who are in similar situations to me. I thought - 'if I try this, I'm going to try and get out my comfort zone'. This trip, and my journey with the Restart Scheme, has definitely given me more confidence.
For anyone who wants to join this - please do, it is amazing. I'm just loving it. Before I came here, I was definitely apprehensive and worried what people would think of me, but since being here, my mind has changed. Once this is all over, what I would love do is get a job and feel stable in myself. I'd actually love to work here, at Parkdean itself!
My experience with the Restart Scheme so far has been great, they're an amazing team of people, they're always willing to help me. They're always welcoming and happy with smiles, they make you feel comfortable when you go in. With their help, I think I can push myself to get a job.
This group of young people has now returned to our regular support from the Restart Scheme. We will continue to monitor their progress and use the insight gained to refine and develop future interventions, opportunities and employer partnerships that help more young people progress into sustainable employment.
