Growth Gurus Programme - from unemployment to paid roles

Please note: names and identifying details have been changed to protect privacy of individuals involved.

The Work Boost Programme is an initiative by Sevenoaks District Council designed to support 18 to 24 year olds who are long-term unemployed or NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training). Modelled after the Kickstart scheme, the programme specifically focuses on businesses within the Sevenoaks and Swanley area. It provides participants with 10 to 12 week work placements (21 hours per week), equipping them with valuable experience to improve their employability prospects.

In a targeted effort to address employment challenges in a historically deprived area of Sevenoaks - the Growth Gurus Programme was introduced. It was designed to raise aspirations for employment and wellbeing among young people, particularly those with disabilities or undiagnosed conditions. The Meeting Point in Swanley played a crucial role in delivery, with referrals coming from NEET services, Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), West Kent Housing, and Sevenoaks District Council.

The programme aimed to build confidence through tailored support, including meeting employers, travel training, and interview preparation. Over the course of a year, 30 young people participated, with 16 successfully moving into paid employment.

Participant engagement

Approximately 40 to 50 young people engaged in the programme, with some drop-off. However, those who remained experienced significant benefits.

Community support

• The programme was hosted at a community hub, fostering informal connections.
• Sevenoaks Community Team helped reduce administrative barriers.
• Employment and volunteering opportunities primarily emerged from warm referrals.

Geographical barriers

• Historically low employer engagement in Swanley.
• Limited public transport restricts job access outside the area.
• High travel costs to London further limit opportunities.

Engagement levels

• Some participants dropped out, but those who persisted saw noticeable improvements in confidence and employability.

Sam, a young person in his late teens with suspected autism and no formal diagnosis, was referred by the Jobcentre after the closure of his previous workplace left him unemployed. Coming from a low-income background, he was highly self-sufficient but had fluctuating career interests.

Jobcentre support was minimal, and he required structured guidance. He was provided with a flexible yet structured support approach, which encouraged prioritisation and small, actionable job search steps. Initially, he volunteered at a charity before securing a Work Boost placement at a local park.

Work Boost placement

Sam immediately formed a positive connection with his supervisor and the workplace embraced his energy and adaptability. He successfully completed a 12 week placement with strong performance and was offered a casual three day a week job, providing him with income while allowing him to focus on personal projects.

The employer is considering further training and a permanent role for Sam.

Employer and community impact

Sam’s employer praised his resilience and work ethic despite his challenging background. High dropout rates are common in work placements, but Sam remained committed. His employer is considering training him in landscaping and park maintenance, demonstrating a model for breaking intergenerational worklessness.

Reflections and learnings

• Personalised support models significantly improved participant engagement.
• Traditional online applications were a barrier—direct employer contact proved more effective.
• Work experience placements boosted confidence and revealed hidden skills.
• Employers’ willingness to adjust hiring processes for accessibility remains inconsistent.

The Work Boost Programme has demonstrated a tangible impact in supporting NEET young people in west Kent. By offering structured work experience, fostering confidence, and engaging with supportive employers, the initiative has successfully transitioned many participants into employment. Lessons learned from this pilot will inform future expansions, ensuring even greater reach and success in breaking barriers to employment.

Looking for support like this? Our Supported Employment Service offers one-to-one, tailored support to help individuals gain and sustain paid work - whether they are young people and adults with disabilities, or those facing other barriers to employment. We also work closely with businesses to provide flexible, in-work support and training that promotes staff diversity, reduces recruitment costs, and boosts retention.