Nine young people supported into work through UKSE Employability Bursaries

Nine young people from across North Staffordshire have been supported into training and employment thanks to a bursary scheme backed by UKSE’s West Midlands team.

Investment specialist UKSE has partnered with YMCA North Staffordshire to deliver employability bursaries, helping young people aged under 25 take their first steps into securing training and employment.

Through applications made to YMCA North Staffordshire, the Employability Bursaries have so far been used to help nine young people cover transport costs to interviews, photo ID, interview clothing or professional attire and basic work equipment or tools specific to a young person’s role.

By funding these essentials, UKSE and YMCA North Staffordshire are removing the barriers that often prevent young people from accessing employment.

Among those to benefit is Demi, who secured her dream role as a support worker for adults with disabilities.

Demi said: “The bursary support has been a total gamechanger for my job. It’s helped me with travel costs to get to my interview, induction training and my daily commute, and has made my first few weeks stress free, allowing me to focus on my work rather than how I’m going to get there and back.”

Hairdressing student Djwanna also benefitted from the bursary, using it to purchase tools and equipment to complete her level 1 and 2 hairdressing qualification and build a portfolio of work.

Djwanna said: “The funding has helped to widen and improve my skills and professional development. I’ve been able to purchase essential tools and equipment, like block heads to practice on, which has allowed me to build my confidence in the industry and flourish.

“I hope to own my own hair and beauty business one day, and having the tools and equipment to practice styles has opened more doors of opportunity for me.”

UKSE regional manager Steve Grice said: “It’s great to see the real difference these bursaries are making. Nine young people supported into training and employment is a fantastic result, and Demi and Djwanna’s stories show exactly why we backed this scheme. We’re proud to keep supporting YMCA North Staffordshire as they help young people take their first steps into work.”

YMCA North Staffordshire Business Development Manager Dan Johnson added: “Seeing nine young people supported through the UKSE Employability Bursaries in such a short space of time shows just how much these practical barriers were holding people back.

“Demi and Djwanna are perfect examples of what happens when those barriers are removed. We’re incredibly grateful to UKSE for their continued support.”

This is the second time the UKSE West Midlands team has backed opportunities for young people at YMCA North Staffordshire. The UKSE Employability Bursaries programme follows an earlier partnership in which UKSE funded a recording studio for young people taking their first steps in music, helping them learn technical skills.

Based at YMCA’s Hanley site in Stoke-on-Trent, the studio opened last July as part of a multi-million-pound youth hub, giving young people in the area access to professional-standard music recording and podcasting facilities to help them gain experience.

Since 1975, UKSE, part of Tata Steel, has invested more than £115 million in businesses and helped create more than 83,000 jobs. Providing investment options including business acquisitions, management buyouts, company expansions and the purchase of new equipment, UKSE is committed to supporting the businesses of tomorrow and the communities they serve.