Premier League Works uses the power of football clubs and the Premier League to engage young people who are not involved in education, training or employment.
The programme, delivered in partnership with the Professional Footballers Association and the Prince's Trust, provides young people with support to develop their personal and social skills giving them the confidence and the experience they need to make a positive transition back into education, access training or gain meaningful employment.
A total of 25 clubs work with local partners such as Job Centre Plus and local referral agencies to ensure that young people with the highest need access the programme. Working with small groups the club provide intensive one-to-one and group work which focuses on each individuals’ needs.
People on the programme are given the opportunity to undertake a qualification and take up a work placement, whilst a community action project helps them to develop fundamental skills such as team work and communication.
Clubs have been delivering in this area for a number of years and having a great impact. Just one example of a positive outcome is Karlie Lunt, 17, who had dropped out of college before enrolling in the programme at Everton.
Such was her impact on the staff at Everton that they offered her a full time role at Everton in the Community, the club's foundation, where she assists the delivery of all of EITC's employment programmes as well as acting as a role model to the young people who come on to the course.
"I am surprised that I have been able to find something to do that I love," said Lunt, who is also looking to complete her NVQ Level 2 in Business Administration. "I enjoy helping people."
