Grace secures finance apprenticeship after support from Reach and youth partners

Published: 02 April 2024  

Here at Reach, we partner with a variety of training providers who support jobseekers to grow their skillset and secure employment.  

We firmly believe it’s important to celebrate successes, big and small, and we’re thrilled to share Grace’s journey with you.  

Grace first visited Reach in 2023 with the long-term goal of secure employment. However, after being out of work for a while, following her graduation from university in 2022, her confidence had decreased. 

During her visit, Grace was introduced to Employability Solutions, a training provider based in Reach, and South Liverpool Youth Hub. For young people aged 18-24, the Hub helps to remove barriers and the stigma around finding work.  

Working with the Youth Hub was the perfect fit for Grace. She was introduced to her job coach, Beth, who provided Grace with the necessary support to build confidence, motivation, and interview skills. 

This collaborative effort resulted in a volunteer position at South Liverpool Homes’ community shop, The Market Place.  

Thanks to this volunteering opportunity, not only has Grace acquired new skills but she has gained confidence and secured an apprenticeship with Barclays!  

We caught up with Grace about her experience.  

“I was feeling a bit anxious about getting into work, but the Youth Hub has helped me to improve my confidence. Beth introduced me to The Market Place. I wanted to get a bit more confident, so she suggested I try volunteering.” 

“I had considered volunteering before I knew I had a job lined up, so I thought it would be a really good experience for me. It was the right time to try it.” 

“In September I’ll be starting an apprenticeship, as an Operations Analyst at Barclays. I'll be working in different areas of the business and hopefully, I should be able to secure a job at the end of my apprenticeship!” 

Looking for career support?  

The Youth Hub is a unique partnership with Reach, Employability Solutions and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) - designed to bring partners together, from across the Liverpool region, to help you access education and training.    

If you’re aged 18-24 and currently unemployed, the Youth Hub scheme can help you access the support you need to develop your skills, understand your career options and get the employment and training advice you need. 

To find out more about the Youth Hub or training providers at Reach, email reach@southliverpoolhomes.co.uk.