Students complete 15-week traineeship programme
The Work Ready & Prepared (WRAP) programme is a 15-week study programme designed by Palace for Life Foundation to provide 16-18 year olds a range of opportunities to practice skills in the workplace.
The comprehensive programme combines real time and meaningful work experience with industry specific accreditations and training, to prepare young people for the world of work.
We caught up with Jaden Downie on his last week of the WRAP to see how he has found being a part of the Palace For Life traineeship.
Why did you become a part of the Work Ready & Prepared programme?
I’m interested in creative digital media and I felt as though Palace was a good place to start to get the right experience. I had really high expectations because I felt I’d be able to learn to properly specialise and focus on this area.
How has the programme helped you?
I enjoyed being able to meet and work with new people which has helped my confidence. I’ve also improved my skills such as editing and filming, where I’ve really enjoyed being able to work closely with Crystal Palace FC and Palace TV. I have become a lot more independent when undertaking tasks, and have improved my communication, especially when I need guidance.
What did you struggle with on the programme?
At the start I struggled with certain tasks because everything was so new to me so I didn’t always understand the instructions. But as I became more comfortable in the environment, tasks became a lot easier for me to achieve.
What’s your highlight of the WRAP programme?
The biggest highlight I have come across is when I was able to work with Palace TV to assist on the ‘Selhurst Sweep’ video. I helped them to shoot the video where I was given the role of boom director, I then worked with them at the Crystal Palace FC training ground to help edit the video for Youtube. I loved this because I got to spend time at the training ground working closely with the Palace TV crew and the Palace players.
You’re into your last week of the programme, what are you planning on doing next?
I plan to progress in creative digital media because I enjoy filming and editing, so I have decided to do an apprenticeship in this field.
Head of Community Development Susan Patterson-Smith said:
“We are so impressed with the levels of application and hard work Jaden and all the trainees have put in during the 15 week traineeship. We are all very proud of them and hope they can take away valuable lessons from this programme to use as they look to enter the world of work.”
“The Work Ready & Prepared programme is key to young south Londoners to give them experience in the world of work and help to give people, like Jaden, the appropriate tools to succeed.”
The 15 week programme is built up of 3 days a week on placement, and two days at college where trainees will:
• Work towards improving Literacy and Numeracy
• Cultivate soft skills like problem solving, team work, leadership, job interview techniques and work ethics
• Gain new qualifications at level 1 or 2 in their chosen industry e.g. FA Level 1, CSCS Card, Health & Safety, Railway Engineering, Hospitality, Stewarding or Retail
• Complete 100 hours work experience in a work environment of their choice
• Receive a college bursary, incentives and offsite industry trips to corporate companies and organisations.
If you are interested in finding out more, please contact Susan Patterson-Smith on susanpattersonsmith@palaceforlife.org or 07808 322983