​What was Defining Futures?

Supported by a grant from the Virgin Money Foundation, Actes Trust developed and delivered Defining Futures; a Level 2 One Award accredited employability qualification.

 

The training course included personal skills development, including communication, teamwork and problem solving and the use of social media to build a personal brand. 

 

It also helped people to develop an understanding of what it means to be enterprising including an exploration of self-employment as an alternative to paid employment.
 

Who did Defining Futures help?

Defining Futures was aimed at long term unemployed young people in Middlesbrough who would benefit from in-depth support in exploring their strengths and preparing to enter the world of work.
 

What types of support were available through Defining Futures?

Delivered flexibly from venues across Middlesbrough, the training course covered the following elements:
 

•  Developing practical employability skills such as preparing and tailoring CVs, job search techniques and interview preparation;

•  Enhancing personal skills such as communication, resilience, team work and problem solving;

•  The use of social media to  build and promote a personal brand; and,

•  What it means to be enterprising and an exploration of self-employment.
   

Clients were encouraged to provide feedback to ensure the course was tailored to their needs.
 

What was the impact of Defining Futures?

Between its launch in July 2017 and March 2018, outcomes for Defining Futures were as follows:
 

•  95 learners completed the training course, surpassing the project target of 80

•  38 learners who completed the training course went on to secure employment

•  55 leaners who completed the training course went on to positive destinations (work or training)

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Defining Futures received significant support from Jobcentre Plus staff, third party organisations and the wider VCSE community who ensured that the course continued to be well promoted and attended.

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