Building Brighter Futures for Young Adults
At YMCA Norfolk, we believe every young person deserves the chance to thrive. That’s why we created Work Ready—a transformative programme designed to help young adults aged 16–25 gain the knowledge, confidence, and qualifications they need to step into stable employment and build a better future.
What is Work Ready?
Work Ready is part of our wider Life Ready Work Ready initiative, funded by the National Lottery Community Fund. Thanks to Aviva Foundation, YMCA Norfolk have been able to further enhance and focus on the Work Ready side of the initiative, set up to foster the development of young individuals further.
It’s a five-stage programme that supports young people from initial engagement through to independent living and employment. Whether someone is just beginning to think about their future or ready to take action, Work Ready meets them where they are—with bespoke coaching, training, and personal development.
Participants in Work Ready benefit from:
- 1-to-1 and group coaching with our youth engagement team
- Accredited training and qualifications tailored to individual goals
- Life skills development, including budgeting, cooking, and tenancy management
- Work experience opportunities through social enterprises
- CV writing, interview preparation, and job search support
- Mentoring and peer leadership opportunities to build confidence and community
Partner with us to Empower the Next Generation
We’re inviting local businesses to be part of YMCA Norfolk’s Work Ready programme—an initiative that equips young adults with the skills, confidence, and qualifications they need to thrive in the workplace. Whether you can offer training sessions, work placements, mentoring, or practical workshops, your involvement can make a lasting impact on a young person’s future.
By partnering with us, you’ll not only help shape a more resilient and skilled workforce—you’ll also benefit from:
- Positive Social Impact
Support vulnerable young people in your community by helping them gain skills, confidence, and employment opportunities. - Enhanced Brand Reputation
Demonstrate your commitment to corporate social responsibility and community development. - Access to Emerging Talent
Connect with motivated young individuals who could become future employees or apprentices. - Staff Development Opportunities
Give your team the chance to mentor, lead workshops, and develop coaching and leadership skills. - Tailored Partnership Options
Choose how you want to get involved—whether through training, work placements, workshops, or sponsorship. - Marketing and Visibility
Be featured in YMCA Norfolk’s promotional materials, social media, and events as a valued partner.
A Huge Thank You to Our Partners
The image below showcases just some of the incredible businesses we’re proud to be working with through our Work Ready programme. We’re truly grateful for their time, expertise, and commitment to helping young people build brighter futures. Their contributions—whether through training, placements, or workshops—are making a real difference. We can’t wait to add even more logos to this growing network of changemakers!
Get in touch today to explore how your business can make a difference.
