Connor’s Story: How the Blades Helped Connor Realise his Potential
Connor, like many young people, struggled in get into employment. Without the necessary qualifications and unable to gain any experience Connor was stuck in a vicious circle, which was affecting his confidence.
However, Connor’s prospects changed dramatically when he got involved with Sheffield United Community Foundation’s Community Coaching Traineeship.
A traineeship offers young adults like Connor, who are currently not in education or employment the crucial first stepping stone to getting a job. The 12 week courses are week based at professional football clubs. Trainees receive free training in employment skills such as CV writing and interview skills in addition to receiving support on their functional Math and English skills. Crucially they also get the chance to gain valuable work experience in a wide range of industries.
Connor started his journey on the Blades Community Coaching Traineeship programme back in September and gained valuable work experience whilst doing so.
After seeing what it was like to work with the Foundation, Connor was passionate about staying involved after he completed his traineeship. As part of the government’s recent Kickstart scheme, a number of roles came available at the Foundation, one of which was a Traineeship assistant.
For Connor, who had experienced first-hand how a traineeship can change a young person’s life this was an ideal opportunity. He applied and was successful in securing the role.
On his journey progressing through the Foundation, Connor said:
“Starting off on the Traineeship Programme was exactly what I needed to give me a confidence boost. It helped me realise my potential and understand how important this course is to young people in our community.”
On his new role, Connor said:
“Moving into the Traineeship Assistant role a few months after is a big step for me but it is a dream come true. It gives me reason to get up in the morning, achieve something and just generally makes me feel better. ”
“The Traineeship Programme allowed me to develop so much and has given me this fantastic opportunity. I am grateful for what the foundation has done for me. I can’t wait to get started and carry on developing!”
Joe Simpson, Sheffield United Community Foundation Traineeship Officer, couldn’t be happier with Connor’s journey. Joe said:
“Connor is a credit to himself, he worked extremely hard on the Traineeship Programme and always set the standard to his peers. The natural progression to stay with the foundation is something we try to embody into the programme.”
