Here at the National Literacy Trust, we have a range of creative and bespoke programmes which empower children, young people and adults with the literacy skills they need to succeed so that they can get the most out of life.
We focus on all aspects of literacy - from reading and writing, to speaking and listening - because we know literacy is essential in all its forms. Without literacy, it’s hard to live the life you want.
One such programme is Words for Work which has proven to be a valuable and inspiring way to come alongside young people as they face the end of education in anticipation of starting fulltime work.
We know that providing young people the opportunity to get a taste of the working world before they are fully immersed, is key for them to unlock their full potential. Words for Works is tailored to help teenagers grasp some of the specific literacy skills they might need to equip them to hit the ground running when they finish studying and step into their first job, whatever that might look like.
We caught up with a mother of one of our most recent participants, Tahlia, from Doncaster, who shared that she was "really grateful to the National Literacy Trust and all the associated companies for giving Tahlia an insight into the world of work." During the programme, which provides exciting work shadowing opportunities for young people like Tahlia, each participant is given the chance to ask questions, chat with members of staff and learn more about the skills that they use in their jobs each day. According to her mum, Tahlia "learned valuable life skills and was smiling after every session, especially after engaging in group discussions."
Why is Words for Work so impactful?
The Words for Work programme not only inspires young people, but it demonstrates the importance of developing their literacy which can help build the transferable skills for each young person – whatever career they might pursue. The sessions raise aspirations of young people who might not otherwise have considered the possibility of a career in certain professions. The National Literacy Trust is giving hope and purpose to young people who otherwise may have felt limited in their options on the job market.
"I saw Tahlia grow in confidence as a result of meeting professionals and collaborating with her peers."
Tahlia’s mum saw first-hand the impact of the Words for Work experience on her daughter and even told us that she would "highly recommend the internship to 15 to 19-year olds, as it is an important step towards seeking employment."
Since taking part in our Words For Work virtual internship with Cleary Gottlieb, Tahlia is now undertaking three A-Levels in English Literature, Geography and Psychology and really enjoying her time at college. She uses her wireless speaker every day, which she won for being the programme’s “most engaged” intern, and it is a constant reminder of her online internship.
Do you love your job?
Do you have what it takes to change a life story? Find out more about our Words for Work programme or get in touch to see how you and your organisation can partner with us to open more doors.
To mark our 30th year as an independent charity, we have gathered 30 stories to celebrate the many ways that life stories have been changed by three decades of the National Literacy Trust. Read more stories here.
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