How the project works
In week 1, the young people are asked to volunteer their time (on a Saturday or Sunday) working in a shop. The young people do not receive any payment for the first week, but do receive a complementary voucher of their choice (worth £20). Travel expenses are paid if needed.
In weeks 2 & 3, the young people get paid for the hours they work by Young Southwark Works.
During the 3 weeks, it’s down to the individual young person to work hard and show the employer they are worth retaining and it is then the decision of the employer whether to offer them part time, paid work.
In advance of starting work, a half day of customer service training will be offered to groups of 6-10 young people and young people will be given help to build their CV, plus offered tips on interviews and jobsearching.
Chez Michèle - one of the successful participating Foot in the Door employers
Featured People
Denise – New Look, Brixton
“The best part of the project is that you can try before you buy. We’ve had a number of placements and the majority of young people placed with us were enthusiastic, quickly adapting to the retail environment.”
Ellie – Peacocks, Peckham
“It was my first job, so I really enjoyed it because it was a new experience for me. At the end of the placement they called me to go back because they wanted to employ me, I was so happy”.