In a project funded by MK Community Foundation, three Career WorkOut sessions were delivered to six trainees aged 13-17 who are in custody at Oakhill Secure Training Centre (STC), west Milton Keynes.

Six trainees completed feedback forms, showing a 32% increase in “I have a good idea of different jobs I could do in the world of work” and 40% increase in “I know what skills an employer will expect me to have when I start work”.

A trainee said: “You can get to know people in a very short space of time.”  Anther said:  “I learnt that people can have a good job when they were not good growing up”.  Others said:  “I have learnt to never give up and there is a job for everyone” and “I have learnt that each job takes time to perfect and talent and temper go well sometimes but other times they don’t”.

12 volunteer work guests from 9 companies attended (some pictured).  All agreed that “Talking to the students made me feel more positive about my work,” and 53% strongly agreed.  One guest said: “I liked meeting new people and getting to know their aspirations. It’s been a good volunteering opportunity for me.”

Paul Kairis, Oakhill STC officer, said:  “It’s been great to see the young people’s positive interactions with the visitors.”

Three further sessions will be delivered in June and July.  If you would like to volunteer to be a work guest in one of these, please sign up at www.worktree.org/events.