The Powerhouse Pathway - For Young People
To view a helpful video about the Powerhouse Pathway, please click here or if you are interested in participating in the Powerhouse Pathway, please click here.
What will be right for you when you finish year 11?
Maybe staying on at school for A’ levels won’t suit you or you don’t want to go to college either? Perhaps you like the idea of starting real work and earning money, but your grades aren’t quite good enough for an apprenticeship?
Now there is another alternative, The Powerhouse Pathway which enables you as a young person to find a paid role with selected local employers, alongside receiving the support you need to develop skills and progress in your career.
“I wasn’t doing anything. I couldn’t get an apprenticeship or any sort of education elsewhere because of my grades from school. So I was sat at home for quite a few months doing nothing because no one would take me on. Then someone suggested SOFEA. I came and gave it a go to see how I got on – and I’ve been here ever since.”
Sophie, SOFEA employee
“Working for Nando’s is so much fun and my team is so supportive – we all look out for each other. One of the best bits of my job is that you get a free meal with every shift you work and after five years, we all get a sabbatical – I can’t wait for that! I’m enjoying learning new things and progressing into new roles at Nando’s. I wouldn’t be doing any of this without SOFEA and Pathways – I’m so grateful for everything that they do.”
Joe Black, Pre-apprentice at Nando’s in the Powerhouse Pathways programme
The Powerhouse Pathway is made possible by the role of SOFEA, a local charity renowned for its training and support of young people into employment.
How does it work?
ROLE: The Powerhouse Pathway offers you a job with a local employer in an entry level role in service industries such as hospitality, cleaning, administration, care, facilities.
CONTRACT: You receive a part-time contract of employment (3 days per week / 21 – 24 hours per week) for a minimum of 12 months (fixed term contract / permanent).
PAY: You are paid the real living wage (currently £10.90 per hour).
WORK DAYS: You attend the workplace on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays (year-round, not just term time only, with the exception of annual leave and other statutory requirements in line with your contract of employment).
SKILLS DAYS: You attend SOFEA on Mondays and Tuesdays, during term time only, when you work on a learning programme designed especially to suit you and to improve your employability skills.
This can include retaking your English and/or Math’s GCSEs, if you haven’t already achieved these, employability skills and work readiness, pastoral support and enrichment activities (sport, art, cooking, gardening, citizenship and more).
SUPPORT: This may be your first paid job and you may need support, especially in the early days. SOFEA liaises with your employer to help resolve any issues that may arise and support you to make it a success.
There will be monthly three-way meetings with you, the employer and SOFEA
PROGRESSION: Think of this one-year contract as your pre-apprenticeship. If all goes well all Powerhouse Pathway employers commit to work towards a positive progression outcome such as a permanent contract of employment, with a progression plan, or an apprenticeship with the employer.
That’s why it’s called ‘Pathway’
Local employer Hachette tell us “After connecting with SOFEA through the Powerhouse Fund, we have seen first-hand the benefit of working with SOFEA and the young people they support. We are delighted to continue our partnership and support for work experience and development.’’
The law on Post 16 Education:
The Law on Post 16 Education states:
In England, you can leave school at 16, and you must then do one of the following until you’re 18:
1. Stay in full-time education, for example at a college
2. Start an apprenticeship or traineeship
3. Spend 20 hours or more a week working or volunteering, while in part-time
education or training.
Powerhouse Pathways is option 3.
