The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Youth Employability Programmes Team is passionate about helping young people into work. They celebrate their achievements through reflections from the young people they support. Based in Newcastle, Leeds, Sheffield, Blackpool and London, they comprise 12 staff who work remotely.
Our team leads the Movement to Work (MtW) programme across the Civil Service, supporting various Diversity Internship Programmes and colleagues in Kickstart jobs in the department.
Donna Simmons - Lead for Youth Employability Programmes, Leeds
“There’s nothing more satisfying than helping a young person into a job or work experience. My team advises, mentors, and encourages hundreds of young people into work. They may have left school not knowing what path to take, or recently left university with no job offers on the table. Or they may be struggling to find the right skills needed to secure permanent work. Everyone has a different story, but they all need our help.
Our team delivers learning and skills development, strengthening the capabilities of young people hit hardest by unemployment. For example, we may help them write their first CV, or give them much-needed interview practice. When I see somebody initially lacking in confidence and feeling anxious, to see them blossom is so rewarding.
Our ambition is to be the most inclusive employer and represent our communities. We offer opportunities for young people by attracting talent from all backgrounds, promoting diversity and inclusion, and ensuring everyone feels supported to meet their potential.”
Movement to Work
Movement to Work placements are for young people aged between 16 and 30, in receipt of benefits and not in education, employment, or training (NEET). The programme provides work experience and gives them the skills and confidence to improve their job prospects through the provision of high-quality placements.
Gavin – Youth Work Coach, Birmingham
Gavin was born and raised on a council estate in south Birmingham. Coming from a struggling family, he found it tough to do well in school, worsened by bullying. Gavin says, “I entered the working world with poor grades and no experience. I was left to face my challenges alone with no knowledge of where to start.”
During his MtW placement with DWP, Gavin “gained heaps of knowledge” demonstrating Civil Service behaviours and competencies. “I left the programme with much more confidence and experience to enter the Civil Service,” said Gavin. “The personal support was something I’d never experienced. Sharing that time with someone who knew what they were talking about was pivotal to my success.”
Gavin secured a role with the department shortly after completing his placement. He said, “It’s added unbelievable opportunities and opened so many doors both in my personal and work life. It includes working with the Future Leaders’ Network and helping shape policy for young people, gaining leadership experience to help my role at DWP and above all else, it keeps me motivated at work to try and change young people’s lives. Young people are the future, who need an opportunity now.”
Diversity Internship Programmes focus on our commitment to improve social mobility in the UK by offering paid internships to diverse groups of young people, giving on-the-job experience, and helping to build confidence and capability with potential permanent employment.
Aroon Sreetharan – Diversity Internship Delivery Manager, London
“In March 2021, I joined the Youth Employability Programmes Team. I’m proud to be part of a team that provides young people with an opportunity to get a foot on the career ladder within DWP and a platform to build their future career. My team and I work with interns across DWP to help remove barriers to employment that some may find intimidating. We allow them to show their capabilities in tackling work challenges, not only to improve their skills, but those around them too.
Since joining the team, together we’ve supported more than 120 opportunities across Diversity Internship Programmes and aim to continue supporting more.
Since joining DWP in January 2010, I’ve worked in Jobcentres providing vital help to our customers, working with teams responsible for the delivery of Universal Credit as well as with the Universal Credit Ministerial Briefing Team.
In March 2020, COVID-19 propelled me into an ever-changing environment providing frontline support across the country to people hit by the pandemic. During this time, I met (virtually) some amazing colleagues and customers and the skills, experiences, knowledge, and friendships gained throughout my time in DWP have shaped who I am today. These continue to improve as a result of working with a team that’s 100% dedicated to helping provide a platform for young people to develop themselves.”
Faith - Data Protection Advisor, London
“Coming into DWP, I had no idea what to expect. My personal advisor told me about the opportunity following a difficult time in my life after my mother passed. Coming from foster care, life has always been a rollercoaster, but this motivated me to better myself. I took a leap of faith and applied. I’m so grateful the Talent Diversity Internship Programme saw something that, at the time, I couldn’t see in myself.”
I couldn’t ask for more supportive colleagues. They welcomed me and made me feel heard during my induction, allowing me to take my time to understand how their business area is run. My line manager and I are currently looking into apprenticeships to help me gain a qualification. I look forward to building on my existing knowledge in order to excel in DWP.
The Talent Diversity Internship Programme has done an amazing job at making sure young people like me have a voice. They’re always in contact and have provided sessions where I can meet young people with similar experiences. It’s been a breath of fresh air, working with people new to Civil Service like me who are still finding their way around.”
Jake Stephenson - Kickstart Delivery Senior Lead, Sheffield
“I joined DWP in March 2021 following three years with HM Courts and Tribunals Service. I really enjoyed my time in my old team and had no idea what to expect in a new department.
As soon as I started my new role, I felt at home; the projects we deliver as a team really make a difference. My favourite part of the job is seeing young people realise their full potential.
I’ve spent most of the time focused on the delivery of 188 Kickstart placements within DWP. Kickstart aimed to give work experience opportunities to 16- to 24-year-olds at risk of long-term unemployment. The programme that we developed is something I am immensely proud of. We identified roles which gave participants real-life work experiences and supported participants, line managers and the wider business. And we developed employability skill sessions which helped participants go on and find further work after their placements ended.
Every day is different in the Youth Employability Programmes team with constant new challenges and opportunities. I’m fortunate to have developed skills in my previous roles in the Civil Service which helped me react to the ever-changing nature of my current role. Also, to work with a team that is really supportive and willing to help out however they can.”
Brodie, Child Maintenance Group, Dudley
“I’m 24 years old and started my Kickstart job with the Child Maintenance Group (CMG) back in February 2022. My confidence took a nose-dive this time last year as I was in and out of work after losing my job. I was nervous initially and felt a little out of place knowing I didn’t complete my education and my head was filled with thoughts that everyone here would look down on me.”
Well… everyone proved me wrong! Almost four months later I’ve used my experience and skills to help me find a permanent job within DWP.
Since starting, I’ve met some wonderful people. Everyone has been an absolute diamond. I think the support and love I received was a driving factor in keeping me going when I wasn’t feeling so confident, and I hope that I’ve inspired them. I’ve made solid friends for life during my time here. There has also been masses of support, training, and advice from more experienced colleagues too. The managers who look after us day-to-day have been fabulous and I’ve not a single negative thing to say about any of the trainers and tutors.
I learnt so much during my first two months, as well as in the ongoing employability sessions. With so much encouragement from the whole team, I can honestly say that I could not be in better hands.
I’m certain that I will receive the same level of support from my new team as I did here with the CMG, and I really look forward to the challenge. Bring it on!”
Want to find out more or support any of our amazing programmes?
Get in touch with the Movement to Work Team and Diversity Internships Team
13 comments
Comment by Dave Baggott posted on
A most inspiring read.
Comment by Tim Moss posted on
This is a great scheme to help get young people into work and fill the void left by retirement age people. I run a family business in the precision engineering sector and it is massively difficult to get skilled people.
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Comment by Val Hope posted on
Great to see it acknowledged that young people need help in the here and now if they are to be "the future".
Comment by Jan Palin posted on
What an amazing team - going above and beyond to impact the lives of young people!!!! Well done to you all.
Comment by Nikita Hindhaugh posted on
Well done, team. The work you are doing is important and impactful!
Comment by Duncan Forbes posted on
Fantastic to see the work done here and more importantly, the impact it is having on the lives of our people. keep up the amazing work
Comment by Okan Özkan posted on
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Comment by Tracy Smith posted on
Great work being taken forward by this team, well done all, you are making a real difference.
Comment by John Adams posted on
Great blog. A brilliant team doing brilliant work 👏🏼
Comment by Gavin Thomas posted on
Thank you for sharing this great initiative, and to those who have spoken about their experiences and how it has been life changing for them.
What I like about this programme is the way in which it provides an opportunity for young people to learn about themselves, a chance to develop their self-esteem and skills, and encourages them to discover their hidden talents.
It is also a great way for the Civil Service to engage with the community and to show that it is truly a diverse and inclusive employer.
Comment by Jackie Evans posted on
Fabulous work being done by the team who are making a real difference to people's lives.
Comment by Mark Janes posted on
really brings a programme to life, hearing these stories...great teamwork
Comment by Kevin Ryan posted on
Some real 'Life-changing' work being done by this team.