Why apply?

There are many benefits to be gained from the Foot in the Door project – not only for the young people involved, but also for the retailers, the schools and the parents.

But the young people clearly stand to gain the most.

First of all, the project means they get to earn some money, and it also gives them an insight into the value of money when they have actually worked for it. Several young people who completed placements say it gave them a whole new perspective the next time they wanted a new pair of trainers!

The project also enables young people to gain valuable work experience – something that is lacking in many young people’s CVs – as many have never had the opportunity to work before. It can also provide them with a reference from an employer – again something that is hard to obtain while still young.

They will obviously learn new, transferable skills that they can build on in the future and many young people reported a real boost in their confidence after they had met the adviser and talked through their options.

Foot in the Door also helps young people to build their sense of independence and responsibility, and it lets them meet different people in an adult, working environment. They get the chance to show they can be mature, reliable, and hard working and they can take the experience with them in the future.

Why apply?

Some testimonials/comments from young people who have participated in the project:

“I think that it would have been hard to find a job without this project because not a lot of employers are looking to employ 16-year-olds without any experience.”

“It’s a great opportunity for young people to find work and for employers to find people they can train to do the job and make contacts.”

“I enjoyed the experience because it’s going to be written on my CV and then I’ll be ahead of other students in my age group, so I have something to give.”

“It allows us to get an insight into what you expect of yourselves in employment, also increases chances of employability.”

“It was a really good motivational way of encouraging yourself to see what the future has to offer.”

“You get work experience and still get paid because not all work experience gets paid.”

“Good way to get experience, looks good on a CV. Great way to interact with employers and customers.”

“It would help give them experience and also develop their skills and qualities giving them better chances to get a job in the future.”

“I found the project helpful and the staff very friendly.”

“To get customer service certificate and some work experience for CV.”

“To give experience in working, so they will be more confident when it comes to working.”

“Because the project really helped me build on my confidence and helped me gain new skills. I would recommend the project because there are a lot of young people who want to start working but are not sure on what to do or how in terms of getting a job, that’s where the Foot in the Door project comes in, it gives them training on interview techniques, how to write a C.V and covering letter. The project is very beneficial with learning work skills and where to go to find jobs, the people are very easy to talk to and offer lots of help and advice, I had a very good result when working with them and I think others would too.”

“They will learn more new experience, even if its bad/good. They will have something to put on their CV.”

“It was good. I met lots of other people.”

“What I enjoyed about working was earning the money.”

Some young people saw themselves as ambassadors for the area –

“I think I made a good impression and this may help other young people”, and another said “because I represented Southwark young people, I was on my best behaviour”.

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