Supporting young people into work they enjoy with Inspiring Futures

Binx, 19, joined the Inspiring Futures programme after graduating from college, where they completed several Level 1 certificates in animal care and employability. A young, non-binary and autistic individual, Binx was motivated to move into work but felt unsure how to take the next steps. During college, they had completed a number of work experience placements, including roles as a pot washer in a pub and as a housekeeper at a wedding venue. However, these environments were not well-suited to their needs. A later placement with the college marketing team proved to be a much more positive experience, as it allowed them to use their creativity, something that is very important to them.

Through Inspiring Futures, Binx worked with their Supported Employment Specialist, Henry, to explore their interests, strengths and possible career paths. A vocational profile was completed to better understand their creative interests and wider skills, which helped identify short-term goals such as exploring voluntary opportunities and entry-level roles in environments like retail or cleaning. Binx was supported to create a skills-based CV that reflected their abilities and experiences, and they were introduced to LinkedIn and job-search strategies. Clear, achievable tasks were set to help build confidence and independence when approaching employers. The VIA Strengths assessment was also used to help Binx reflect on their personal strengths in a positive way, including recognising how qualities such as being a supportive team member can be valuable in the workplace.

Alongside employment support, attention was also given to wellbeing. When Binx experienced challenges with their mental health, Henry provided support to arrange a GP appointment and to create a daily routine that added more structure to their day, including consistent wake-up times, meals and creative activities.

Binx expressed a strong desire to work regularly and earn their own money, ideally in a part-time role in a quieter environment close to Congleton. After applying for several roles without progressing, open conversations about workplace readiness led to a decision to focus on volunteering as a way to build experience, confidence and strengthen their CV. A digital marketing volunteer role was identified with South Cheshire CLASP, a small charity in Crewe that supports lone and single-parent families. Their advisor contacted the organisation to learn more about the role and explain the programme before supporting Binx with their application.

Binx was invited to interview, and on the day their advisor travelled to Congleton to meet them at the train station. Henry and Binx travelled together to Crewe, using the journey as an opportunity to practise travel training, including buying tickets and navigating stations, while also preparing for the interview. Binx attended the interview with this additional support and was successfully offered the digital marketing volunteer role with South Cheshire CLASP, which they started in January. This marks an important step forward, allowing them to gain experience in an area they enjoy while continuing to build confidence and work towards future paid employment.