Participants celebrate transformational impact of skills initiative

CareerShift is a free programme aimed at raising aspirations and boosting the confidence of residents, encouraging them to explore careers in industries facing recruitment challenges.

Participants benefit from a comprehensive package that includes counselling and physical training, focusing on self-reflection and learning. This helps them consider job opportunities they might not have previously explored.

Throughout the morning, participants shared their experiences with guests, highlighting the programme's transformational impact. Many credited the counselling sessions for giving them the confidence to speak publicly about their journeys.

Overseeing the Adult Careers Team, Wendy Trask, Operations Manager for Employability at North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “A year ago, we decided that as a service, we could offer an enhanced package.

“We want to enable people to be the best version of themselves and to do that, we bring everything to them. This includes training providers, employers, support organisations with the bonus of funding therapy, gym memberships, and even personal training sessions.

“The results have been amazing and listening to participants speak from the heart to a room full of people about how they perceive careerShift, shows us we are on to something special. We look forward to what the next year brings.”

Seb Simmons, who recently started the careerShift programme, added: “Seeing people tell their stories and showcase the great experiences at all stages of the course fills me with. I'm leaving the event today with a spring in my step.

“It's not just the great team but also the atmosphere that sets this programme apart. They aren't just telling us what to do; they're equipping us with the skills to continue using them long after the course ends. The Adults Careers Team are local people who understand our needs and challenges, making this programme truly different from others.”

The celebratory event featured a breakfast provided by the Learning4Life Adults Co-operative, a group of adult learners working towards becoming self-employed. The Adults Careers Team reflected on the past year's successes, celebrating the cohort's experiences and acknowledging the collaboration with local organisations and employers. Quest Training and Wellbeing Hub, which host the team leading the programme at Heritage House and provide laptops for use during sessions, were among those recognised.

Over the eight-week programme, participants attend twice-weekly sessions where they meet local employers who share insights into various roles across sectors such as health and social care, renewables, construction, visitor economy, leisure and tourism, manufacturing, chemical processing, and ports and logistics.

Logistics company DTK Frigo UK was among the companies participating in the programme. Managing Director Tom O’Keefe said: “Supporting the course as an employer, I didn’t know what to expect or who I would meet. I didn’t expect to gain anything myself; I just thought I was doing my part to help the participants.”

During the course, Tom met participant Euan and immediately recognised his potential.

“Not many people are aware of the local opportunities a career in logistics offers, but when I met Euan through the course, I knew he’d be a great fit at the company. He’s been with us for six months now and has developed into a more senior role,” added Tom.

He emphasised the importance of such programmes in bridging the gap between employers and potential employees, how they can uncover hidden talents and provide valuable career opportunities.

The event also highlighted significant progress in addressing recruitment challenges and improving local employment prospects. Participants have created valuable contacts with employers and tackled challenges like job applications and CV writing.

So far, 116 people have been able to make a difference to their lives through the course. With a goal to transform the lives of at least half of the participants, recent figures show that 81% reported improved confidence and removal of previous barriers to employment, while 96% now have a better understanding of the local labour market.

Angela Mawer, one of the career advisors at careerShift, spoke about the impact the programme has had on participants and staff: "People often have low expectations of us in Grimsby, which can affect people’s confidence.

“At careerShift, we’re dedicated to instilling the belief that they are capable and can achieve their goals. It is truly amazing to witness their growth and development throughout the course; it brings us pure joy.

“Working with individuals long-term allows us to understand them better, and in turn, it makes us better people,” said Angela.

For more information on careerShift or to join the next cohort, contact the Adults Careers Team at careershift@nelincs.gov.uk.