We're so pleased to continue our relationship with QPR in the Community Trust. Over the first half of August, we facilitated opportunities for 4 of our young people to spend a week at the club.
These placements were not just for football or sports enthusiasts. We welcomed a variety of interests and all were passionate about engaging young people through sport.
Skills for success
The placements centred around Sports Coaching and taught students how to both lead and motivate a team.
Young people helped to plan and deliver youth coaching sessions, assisted with soccer schools and rolled up their sleeves to set up events. The week was varied and offered great insight into the world of Sports Coaching.
They worked with younger participants, which was a great opportunity to develop leadership skills. The placement involved tasks designed to develop soft skills such as communication, teamwork and resilience - all of which are incredibly valuable in the workplace. Knowing how to engage with and motivate people are critical skills for success and are transferrable to any sector.
As the week was with QPR's community arm, it was a perfect chance for students to see social responsibility in action.
Students' confidence grew throughout the week. Some were particularly shy to start off, but gradually came out of their shell and worked well with younger participants. They all worked hard and impressed the QPR team. We were so proud to receive positive feedback about how well the placements went.
"Thank you for the feedback, I really appreciate the opportunity!" - Jace, student
We're thankful to the QPR team for providing this excellent opportunity and investing in the next generation of talent.
Closing the opportunity gap
The placements with QPR marked the close of our summer work experience programme. With 4 opportunities running from June to August across various sectors, such as I.T, Banking and Law, this summer was our biggest offering yet.
Our work experience programmes are aimed at students from ethnic minority or socially diverse backgrounds. These opportunities create networks, deliver CV-boosting experience and develop meaningful skills. Over a 2-month period, we've helped 55 young people to access the workplace. That's 55 more networks that have been built, which will no doubt bear fruit in future.
Our mission is to create an equal start line and close the opportunity gap, so that no-one is left behind because of their race or social background.
A representative from QPR Community Trust said:
"We have supported the Open Palm partnership and the young people who have attended the work experience placements have been a shining example to the project. We look forward to hearing about the journey they go on."
If you'd like to partner with us to offer work experience to talented young people, please contact us at info@openpalm.org.uk.