Helping young people access training and skills

31st March 2016

Surrey Young People’s Fund

A grant from our Surrey Young People’s Fund of £267 to Fiona*, 22 supported her travel costs to attend training in the textile industry. Fiona has struggled to find employment since leaving education in July 2014. This grant supported her travel costs to attend an unpaid internship at a knitwear factory.

Whilst working at the factory her employer saw Fiona’s potential and has suggested training her as a production manager. Fiona has now started on the path to full employment and although she is still on a zero-hours contract she is happy in her current position, feels secure in her job and hopes to continue working for the company to gain further experience in the industry.

Fiona explains:

“It really helped to have that financial support to travel in every day and as a result I have made a lot of progress within the company and gained invaluable experience… I am very grateful… Thank you for your help.”

The Surrey Young People’s Fund aims to support disadvantaged young people in Surrey to gain access to training and employment. Grants are awarded by a panel of experienced volunteers who have a passion for assisting young people in Surrey improve their employment prospects.

Grants support individuals aged 16-25 at the time of application who are resident in Surrey and show the motivation to achieve their goals. Feedback is required after any grant is awarded.

Applicants should to be in one of the following four target groups:

  • Unemployed (working less than 16 hours per week)
  • Those who are struggling at school and/or have achieved less than 5 GCSEs at grades A-C
  • Offenders and ex-offenders
  • Young people in or leaving care

Grants from the Surrey Young People’s Fund will typically be between £50 and £200 and can fund items directly related to enhance the young person’s employability skills.

*Not real name.