Over the past few months, learners from Northampton Saints Foundation’s Employability programmes, have embarked on a journey designed to better prepare them for the world of work.
Held over six weeks, the Foundation have delivered a series of dynamic workshops and interventions in partnership with several leading organisations.
Using the 'Journey to Work' theory of change, this strategy employs targeted interventions to help learners understand the resources they need, while also providing opportunities to demonstrate and connect their skills with real-world experience.
This model comes at an important time, as the latest NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) statistics released in May 2025 show a welcome drop in the number of young people aged 16–24 who are NEET. From January to March 2025, the total stood at 923,000, down 64,000 from the previous quarter, reducing the overall NEET rate to 12.5%. Compared to the same period in 2024, the figures reflect a modest but positive year-on-year improvement.
The ‘Journey to Work’ model began with volunteers from Barclays who lead CV surgery workshops where learners received one-on-one and group guidance to enhance their CVs. The hands-on sessions allowed learners to refine how they present their skills and achievements, gaining valuable insights from professionals in the field.
The second intervention came from Reed Recruitment, where learners engaged in interview skills workshops and visited the organisation’s headquarters. This experience provided a behind-the-scenes look at operations in a major recruitment company and gave learners practical advice on interview techniques and employer expectations.
The British Army delivered the third workshop bringing in a team to run interactive team-building activities. Learners participated in practical challenges such as bridge and car building, while also hearing from serving personnel about career opportunities within the Army. The session aimed to build essential employability skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.
In the third phase, Tom Bodkin, a Sport and Exercise Therapist, from St Andrew’s Healthcare led an engaging session focused on core workplace skills. Through fun and inclusive activities, including a lip-syncing exercise, participants explored themes of communication, collaboration, and workplace inclusivity.
The fifth intervention was delivered by Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service, who hosted tailored workshops at various fire stations across the county. These sessions tackled real-world scenarios such as road traffic collisions and knife crime, helping learners build resilience, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
The final phase welcomed Barclays volunteers back for an interview simulation, mock interviews, one to one and group interviews allowing learners to put everything they had learnt over the past six weeks into practise.
“This is a model we’re really proud to implement,” said Craig Phillips, Northampton Saints Foundation’s Employability and Skills Manager. “The support from all our partner organisations has been incredible, and it’s clear that these interventions are making a real difference in preparing our learners for employment. Our employability department is committed to tackling the root causes of youth unemployment and disengagement, and the Journey to Work model allows us to do that in a powerful and structured way.
“By combining practical experience with targeted skills development, we’re helping to lower NEET figures, and actively working to fill the skills gaps that exist right here in our county. Our programmes, some taught in partnership with Northampton College and Tresham College, part of the Bedford group, are key to giving young people the confidence and capabilities they need to take that next step into education, training, or employment. We are committed to the long-term investment in the future workforce of Northamptonshire.”
Natalie O’Donnell, Barclays Northampton said “We are delighted to volunteer and support all of the learners. Young people are important to the future UK workforce. It is vital that we help them to develop the core skills they need for work and breakdown any barriers they face in being able to reach their full potential and access all of the career opportunities availability to them".
As the Journey to Work model continues to shape the employability curriculum, the Foundation are hopeful that these enriching experiences will pave the way for greater confidence, stronger skills, and successful transitions into the workforce.
With only a few weeks left until the end of the academic year students are now working on their Work Journey Model, a strategy designed to help them understand what is expected in the workplace. As part of this, they will explore key topics such as understanding personal boundaries, building resilience in conflicting situations, and the importance of punctuality.
If your organisation is interested in partnering with the Foundation, please get in touch at [email protected], to find out more about the Foundation's Employability programmes please click here.
