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Experience Works supports young people aged 15-24 who are NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) or at risk of becoming NEET, across Devon, Plymouth and Torbay. This project equips them with skills for life and work, giving them the confidence to find a path to a brighter future.

Managed by Petroc, Experience Works is delivered by a partnership of organisations with a wide range of expertise and experience in working with young people across the South West. This project is funded by the European Social Fund.

How it works

Young people are referred to a suitable partner where they work one to one with a mentor. The mentors provide support tailored to each young person’s individual needs. This may be around work or social skills, confidence, disability or any other circumstances that create a barrier to work.

The participants are supported in undertaking experiences which help them towards being able to get a job. Some of the activities that the young people take part in are workplace visits, mock interviews, work experience, volunteering, skills training and group social activities

For some young people just meeting other people is a challenge, especially after increased isolation due to Covid. The idea of interacting with others in a workplace may be terrifying. For them the first steps may be taking part in social or recreational activities which gives them the confidence to apply for jobs.

Our partners

Managed by Petroc College, Experience Works is delivered by a partnership of organisations with a wide range of expertise and experience in working with young people across the South West.

The delivery partners are: [logos?]

Battling On, City College Plymouth, Groundwork South, Petroc, PGL Training, The Princes Trust. Between them they cover the whole of Devon including Plymouth and Torbay.

Referrals may come from schools and colleges, Job Centre Plus, youth organisations or other services.

What you can do

Your company could help in two ways:

Directly, by providing workplace opportunities, from a site visit to a work placement or apprenticeship
Indirectly, by creating an inclusive workplace. There are some simple things you can do to make your workplace more inclusive – from how you conduct interviews through what happens on an employee’s first day in the job, to the layout of your office. We have some ideas here.