Taking a chance and gaining experience: Leigh’s story
When Leigh joined the Employability and Enterprise Programme, he was looking for an opportunity to gain experience, develop new skills and improve his chances of finding work.
Like many young people entering the job market, Leigh found himself in a difficult position. Employers were often looking for experience, but gaining it without first being given an opportunity felt challenging.
Reflecting on that time, Leigh said:
“I didn’t really have anything to do. I didn’t have any experience. I didn’t really have any qualifications on top of that as well.”
After being referred to the programme by his Jobcentre work coach, Leigh decided to explore the support available and find out whether it could help him gain the experience he was looking for.
Finding the right opportunity
Working with Fran from the Employability and Enterprise team, Leigh began exploring opportunities that matched his interests and future goals.
Rather than applying for every opportunity available, Fran took the time to understand what Leigh enjoyed and where he might thrive.
Reflecting on the support he received, Leigh said:
“She helped me look at stuff that I’d actually be interested in, instead of just throwing me in the direction of everything that came along.”
By taking the time to understand Leigh’s interests and goals, Fran was able to help him identify an opportunity that offered both valuable experience and a role he would genuinely enjoy.
Together, they identified a volunteering opportunity at the Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre.
While Leigh had known about the centre for some time, he had never really visited before. Through the placement, he was able to become part of a local organisation, gain valuable experience close to home, meet new people and build connections within his community.
The placement offered the chance to gain practical experience in a busy visitor attraction while developing valuable workplace skills.
For Leigh, it was an opportunity to put those skills into practice in a real working environment and demonstrate what he was capable of.
Gaining valuable experience
Since starting at the Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, Leigh has taken on a varied role supporting visitors and staff.
A large part of his role involves working on the reception desk and till, helping visitors, answering telephone enquiries and providing information about the centre, exhibitions and surrounding grounds. He also helps direct visitors around the site and supports a range of day-to-day activities, giving him experience in a busy customer-facing environment.
Reflecting on the role, Leigh said:
“For the most part I spend a lot of my time at the front desk on the till. I answer the phone fairly often and help direct customers around the centre and grounds. There’s a whole variety of different things I do. You never really know what’s going to happen from week to week.”
Through the placement, Leigh has developed practical customer service, communication and problem-solving skills while gaining valuable workplace experience. He has learnt how to interact with visitors, respond to enquiries and work confidently as part of a team, helping him build the experience many employers are looking for.
As he explained:
“A lot of places now see having experience as sometimes more crucial than actual qualifications.”
Taking a chance
For Leigh, getting involved was not something he found easy.
Like many young people, he had doubts about whether volunteering would be right for him and was uncertain about taking that first step.
Looking back, he believes deciding to give it a try was one of the most important decisions he made.
“Nothing ventured, nothing gained, if you don’t try.”
Although he initially joined the programme to gain experience, the opportunity has given him much more than that. Through volunteering, he has developed new skills, gained valuable workplace experience and found something he genuinely enjoys.
One of the things Leigh values most about the role is the people he has met along the way.
Reflecting on what he enjoys most about volunteering, he said:
“I would probably say the staff. The staff are very friendly, very welcoming.”
As well as developing new skills, volunteering has given Leigh the opportunity to meet new people, make personal connections and become part of a supportive team environment.
Looking ahead
What started as a six-week placement has become an opportunity that Leigh continues to enjoy and value.
The positive contribution he has made has been recognised by the team at the Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre.
A member of the team said:
“We’re really pleased with Leigh. The original placement was for six weeks, but we’re very happy for him to continue volunteering with us.”
Just as importantly, the experience has helped Leigh feel more positive about the future.
Reflecting on the next steps in his journey, he said:
“Obviously continuing with this volunteering opportunity as much as I can, because I enjoy it more than anything.”
Having found a role that has helped him develop new skills and gain valuable experience, Leigh hopes to continue volunteering while considering his next steps.
Looking ahead, Leigh feels positive about what’s next.
“My outlook now at the moment is fairly positive.”
He also has a message for other young people who may be considering support through the Employability and Enterprise Programme:
“I personally would say try it and give it a go, give it your best go.”
Having experienced the benefits first-hand, Leigh believes the programme can make a real difference for young people who may be feeling uncertain about their next steps.
“I suffer with mental health issues myself and I was very hesitant about doing any sort of job, let alone volunteering, and it has helped me a tremendous amount.”
Leigh’s story shows how the right support, the right opportunity and a willingness to try something new can help young people gain experience, develop skills and take positive steps towards the future.
About the Employability and Enterprise Programme
The Employability and Enterprise Programme supports young people aged 18 to 30 across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin to build confidence, develop skills and access opportunities through volunteering, wellbeing support, mentoring and enterprise activities.
To find out more about the programme and the opportunities available, visit the Employability and Enterprise page on our website.
Or contact a member of the team directly:
Call: 01743 360641
