Resources: Workplace - Genesis grows its own workers

The challenge

The Government's Respect Action Plan highlights the need for housing organisations to engage young people through diversionary activities.

Through its charitable foundation Genesis Community, Genesis Housing Group was already striving to tackle social exclusion among young people in disadvantaged areas in London.

But the shortage of youth workers in these areas proved an obstacle. Rebecca Palmer, the charity's youth development co-ordinator, had already glimpsed the potential of developing young people into youth workers. A sustainable Apprenticeship programme was needed to harness this potential.

The solution

Genesis Community built on the Essentials of Working with Young People course, an introductory programme developed by training organisation and recruitment agency YouthForce.