NCB Now: Comment -- Building confidence in the young unemployed

NCB offered me a work placement at the Alzheimer’s Society, working as a press assistant – a dream opportunity, as I had been looking for a role in the creative sector since I left university almost three years ago.

Being unemployed for a year, and being rejected after so many interviews, left me with little confidence and self-belief. It was very demoralising and my hope that I would gain employment was dwindling.

NCB’s skills development programme eases you slowly into the workplace, building up confidence and essential work skills gradually, so you don’t feel like you’re out of your depth. The NCB working environment is very friendly, supportive and helpful. The seminars and lessons held by NCB staff are energetic and interactive and, as a result, by the end of the first week our group knew most of the team at NCB. The staff are knowledgeable and all the information they give is relevant to the world of work, which makes it easy to be interested while learning.

I think the programme is fantastic. NCB provides excellent training programmes, from IT skills to presentation skills. I have met lots of great people and had fun while being constructive in helping myself develop skills for working.

I am having a great time in my work placement, just as I have at the skills programme. I will be sad to leave, but grateful that I have gained such good experience and training, which will be useful in the future.

Thank you NCB!

Lucy Jackson, SDP participant. For more information on the SDP, visit www.ncb.org.uk/skills-development-programme