Get on Track Employability programme culminates at KKR’s London offices

Young people from Lewisham College recently went to the KKR offices for an inspiring visit to mark the end of their Dame Kelly Holmes Trust Get on Track Employability programme.

The Get on Track programme, funded by KKR, is for young people aged 16-25 and is designed to build confidence, resilience and self-esteem. The programme’s strong focus on employability helps young people understand how important these soft skills are as they progress into work, providing advice and guidance as they look ahead to their next phase of life whether that’s higher education or entering the world of work. Working with former Commonwealth Gold Medallist fencer and athlete mentor, Claire Bennett, with contributions from MoneyReady, an organisation which promotes and teaches good financial management techniques, the young people have worked hard over a 20-session programme.

Reflecting on the MoneyReady sessions, Marie a teacher at Lewisham College said: "It was very informative and essential for the students in the room. The course also complemented the business skills that they are learning on their course. It will give the students the right start when they start earning money. It's vital to know about all the topics that Keisha covered.

Visit to KKR designed to inspire

The young people were invited to a World of Work day at KKR’s London offices, an opportunity designed to inspire and give them an insight into working life, and the variety of routes into work that might be available to them. The day was also about the young people stepping out of their comfort zones and picking the brains of the many staff members at KKR who gave up their time to talk through their roles, employment journeys, as well as being able to offer valuable advice to the group on how to embark on their own journeys into work.

The day started with a tour of the offices and a view from the spectacular rooftop terrace overlooking some of London’s most famous landmarks followed by food in the office’s canteen. Next was a panel discussion where staff members discussed their roles in the company, how they got there, along with sharing some really useful advice. After the panel the young people were able to get some focused one-to-one time with KKR employees where they shared their CV’s and had more individualised discussions about future opportunities. One young person on the programme, a budding DJ, shared detail of this passion, opening a conversation about a future KKR event and the potential opportunity for him to provide a set at the event.

The recent report commissioned by the Labour Government and written by Alan Milburn, a leading authority on social mobility highlighted the challenges faced by the ‘lost generation’ – the more than 1 million young people not in education, employment or training (NEET) - including a lack of opportunities available with employers plus disparities based on wealth, background, geography or ethnicity.

The issue is not a lack of ambition. Most young people want to work, develop skills and build meaningful careers. However, pathways into employment have become more limited. Entry-level roles, apprenticeships and work experience opportunities have declined, making it increasingly difficult for young people to gain the experience employers value. KKR’s support for our Get on Track Employability programme is allowing young people to approach a move into working life positively. The World of Work day has also given them access to potential work experience opportunities or volunteering placements within KKR. Access to these first steps experiences into work can make all the difference to a young person’s confidence in pursuing employment.

Reflecting on the day, Claire said: “KKR created a safe space for our students to feel inspired, valued and appreciated. The genuine care and support that KKR have given Dame Kelly Holmes Trust and Lewisham College was felt by us all and we feel very lucky to have experienced such a special day with the KKR team. Thank you to everyone involved and for making this programme possible."

Dame Kelly Holmes Trust wants to offer a big thank you to KKR and Pam, Nicola and the rest of the staff involved in making it an awe-inspiring day for those taking part in the Get on Track Employability programme.