Springing Into Action: April's Impact and Insights

April has been a fulfiling month at Inspire 2 Ignite, bustling with enriching events and proactive outreach. Not only did we enhance the skills and confidence of our young participants through engaging activities, but our efforts to broaden our mission's reach also took center stage. Our founder engaged policymakers and industry leaders at Windsor Castle, and our team shared insights at local industry events, encouraging broader support for our initiatives. This month's newsletter highlights both our activities and the success stories from within our community, underscoring the collective impact of our work.

Dive into this edition to discover the inspiring stories and transformative events that are shaping the future for young people in our community.

Next Step Highlights: Inspiring Confidence and Connections

This month, our "Next Step" event at the Citizen Hub in St Neots marked a significant milestone in our efforts to support the personal growth of young people. Catering to those aged 12 to 24, the event offered a unique opportunity to enhance their confidence through a series of engaging and fun activities. The day kicked off with "Curious Conversation Blocks," which fostered open dialogue and personal reflection. This was followed by a team-building exercise, where participants constructed bridges from marshmallows and spaghetti, enhancing their teamwork and communication skills.

The event featured inspirational talks from Curious Entrepreneurs Ryan Watson and Bailey Readings , who shared candid insights into their entrepreneurial journeys and the role confidence played. One participant remarked, “I really resonated with Ryan when he said that good moments usually come just after challenging times.” It’s incredibly rewarding to see young people who once needed support now inspiring others. We hope this cycle of positive influence continues!

The day concluded with a confidence-boosting workshop led by our Community Manager, Alex Richards , which provided attendees with practical tools to understand and improve their self-confidence.

The feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, affirming the event's success in meeting its goals. One participant commented, "It was perfect for making new friends and learning about myself," which highlights the supportive and transformative atmosphere of the day.

Playing For Success: AP Students Excel On and Off The Pitch

Participants from our Alternative Provision Programme recently showcased their skill and spirit in a local football match, securing a decisive 9-3 victory. The majority of players, who are part of our programme, demonstrated the foundational skills we emphasise—leadership, communication, encouragement, teamwork, and resilience.

Sam Squire , CEO, who observed the game from the sidelines, shared his reflections on the growth and maturity of the participants:

"Watching the young players excel with such professionalism and maturity was truly inspiring. Their incredible display of leadership and strategic thinking during the match is a clear testament to how far they've come since joining our programme. It's proof that the skills they develop with us are applicable in various aspects of life."

Alex's Fairytale Trip To Windsor Castle

Our Founder, Alex Hughes , recently participated in an influential gathering at Windsor Castle, engaging with policymakers and industry leaders capable of significantly advancing our mission. This three-day event was not merely a meeting but a powerful platform for Alex to share impactful stories from our work and explore potential partnerships that could shape the future of community support and youth empowerment.

Alex's involvement underscores our commitment to connecting with influential figures and stakeholders to advocate for and promote initiatives that drive real change in the lives of young people within our communities.

For a more detailed account of Alex's journey and the transformative discussions held, click here to read the full article.

Bridging the Skills Gap in Construction

This month, Sam Squire, tackled a pressing issue at the KOREC Group Connect event in collaboration with BACH British Association of Construction Heads . The pivotal question discussed was: "How do we close the skills gap in Construction?"

Sam highlighted several key challenges and misconceptions that contribute to the skills gap:

• Misconceptions in Education: Construction is often portrayed merely as hands-on field work, which can deter young people seeking diverse career opportunities.
• Apprenticeship Attrition: Alarmingly, 52% of apprenticeships do not reach completion, pointing to a significant disconnect between programme offerings and apprentice expectations or needs.
• Mismatched Skills Training: There exists a crucial gap in communication between educators and the industry regarding the skills that are truly necessary for future professionals.

To address these challenges, Inspire 2 Ignite, in collaboration with SMD Ltd , Hill Group UK , Bidwells , Mick George , Agile Homes , and The M&J Group , is developing the ‘Curious about Construction’ programme. This 12-week innovative course offers young people unprecedented insights into the industry, designed to align closely with actual industry needs and eliminate barriers to entry.

We are excited about the potential of this programme to transform perceptions and provide real, actionable pathways into the construction industry for young people. Sam’s presentation was a call to action for industry leaders and educators to rethink how we prepare the next generation for careers in construction.

Spotlight on:

This month, we are proud to spotlight some inspiring individuals from our Curious Entrepreneurs Programme who are actively shaping their futures through significant projects and milestones.

Harry Pauley and Luka Green of filmwithreko continue to excel in their filmmaking journey. They are currently collaborating with one of our corporate partners, Moss UK , on an exciting project to produce a new promotional video. This partnership is a testament to their growing reputation and expertise in the industry, showcasing their proven skills and innovative vision to a broader audience. We are confident that their work with Moss UK will be another example of the high-quality, impactful content they consistently produce.

Josh, one of our original curious entrepreneurs, has reached an exciting milestone by earning his first ￡1,000 through his entrepreneurial ventures. His journey didn’t stop there; Josh has also secured a position at a local care home, applying his developed skills in a professional environment. This dual achievement underscores the versatility of the entrepreneurial mindset and skills cultivated at Inspire 2 Ignite, proving that the paths to success are as varied as the individuals who walk them.

Each story is a testament to the power of opportunity combined with hard work and innovation. These young entrepreneurs exemplify the potential within our community and the profound impact of our supportive network.

Join us in celebrating their achievements and the bright futures ahead of them.

Continuing Our Journey with NCS

We are pleased to announce that Inspire 2 Ignite will be collaborating with the NCS - National Citizen Service Trust for another year to deliver transformative programmes for 15-18 year olds. Our continued partnership with NCS will focus on providing a range of opportunities designed to empower young people by developing their skills, enhancing their confidence, and enabling them to make a positive impact on their communities.

These programmes are tailored to inspire and challenge participants, encouraging them to explore new ideas and embrace their potential. Details of the specific programmes for this year are still being finalised, and we look forward to sharing more information with you soon.

Stay tuned for updates on our exciting lineup of activities for the coming year, which promise to be as engaging and impactful as ever. If you or someone you know is interested in taking part in these opportunities, keep an eye on our communications for further details.

Urgent Call to Action: Support Aspiring Young Legal Minds

We currently have a waiting list of eager young individuals passionate about pursuing a career in the legal sector. These aspiring legal professionals are on the lookout for work experience, apprenticeships, or even just insights into the day-to-day realities of the legal world. Unfortunately, they are finding it challenging to find opportunities that allow them to explore and develop their passion further.

We are calling on our community and any legal professionals or firms within our network to help us support these determined young minds. If you can offer work experience, apprenticeships, or even a short informational session about your field, you would be playing a crucial role in shaping the future of a young person interested in law.

Please reach out if you can assist or know someone in the legal profession who might be willing to contribute. Together, we can bridge the gap between aspiration and reality, providing these young individuals with the opportunities they need to succeed.

Explore Community Opportunities: Join Our Network of Change

This month, we spotlight two exciting opportunities within our community, ideal for those looking to start or advance their careers in unique and supportive environments:

1. Bidwells Offers a Path in Accountancy: Are you interested in a career in accountancy, or are you looking to switch to a role that offers new challenges and opportunities for growth? Bidwells is currently seeking motivated individuals to join their Rural Client Accounting team as Accounts Apprentices or Accounts Assistants. This role not only allows you to dive into a diverse range of accounting tasks but also supports a small client portfolio. For those new to the field, the firm offers a fully-funded Accountancy Apprenticeship leading to an AAT qualification. More experienced candidates can explore further qualifications to enhance their career trajectory. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to develop your professional skills within a supportive team. Learn more and apply here.

2. Offset Projects ' Arts Bursaries for Young Artists: For young artists between 15-25 years old living, learning, or working in Milton Keynes, Offset Projects in partnership with MK Community Foundation is offering arts bursaries to help develop artistic practice. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to further develop your skills, these bursaries provide financial support and resources necessary for artistic growth. Don’t let this chance slip by if you’re pursuing a career in the arts and need some support to take your practice to the next level. Check out the criteria and apply by May 31st.

These opportunities are just a few examples of how our network continues to foster career development and support the aspirations of young professionals. If you or someone you know could benefit from these roles, we encourage you to apply or spread the word. Together, we can help pave the way for future success in diverse fields.

2024 Impact Snapshot

As we review the impact of our initiatives this April, the numbers reflect more than just statistics—they symbolise profound moments of growth and accomplishment. Each figure in this month's snapshot represents a journey of empowerment and the real differences we are making in the lives of young people. From individual breakthroughs to collective milestones, our commitment to nurturing potential and fostering opportunities is evident in every success story.

As April ends, we reflect on a month filled with meaningful engagements and transformative experiences. Each event and initiative this month has not only contributed to our mission but also reinforced our commitment to the young people we serve.

Your involvement and support continue to be crucial as we forge ahead with new programmes and partnerships. We're excited about the future and the opportunities it holds for further impact. Let’s continue to work together to create environments where young people can thrive and realise their fullest potential.

Thank you for being a part of our journey. If you want to be more involved or learn how you can help, don't hesitate to reach out. Together, we are making a difference, one young life at a time.