Upcycle Your Skills

Young people in Swale are celebrating a vital first step on the career ladder this week (4 August) as they completed a five-week programme designed to boost their employability and introduce them to local employers.

The ‘Upcycle Your Skills’ initiative has been delivered by career guidance and training charity CXK in partnership with Swale Borough Council and SUEZ recycling and recovery UK.

The programme is designed to support young people in Swale who are not currently in education, employment, or training (NEET), or are at risk of becoming so.

By equipping participants with vital skills, confidence, and opportunities, the course hopes to pave the way towards brighter futures in all three key areas.

The comprehensive programme offered a blend of personalised and group support.

Participants began with a one-to-one goal-setting session with a dedicated CXK mentor to set their personal aspirations.

This was followed by twice-weekly interactive group sessions focusing on essential skills such as team building and communication, CV writing, interview technique and how to explore local training, apprenticeships, and education options.

A distinguishing feature of Upcycle Your Skills was the access participants gained to employers.

Through meet-and-greet sessions and behind-the-scenes insights, young people learned about the SUEZ operations and the diverse career paths available.

Crucially, SUEZ also provided participants with the direct opportunity to interview for live vacancies, offering a tangible pathway into employment.

Cllr Dolley Wooster, chair of the Environmental Services and Climate Change Committee for Swale said:

“We are incredibly proud of every young person who committed their time and effort to take this next step in their careers and to push themselves to succeed.

“Many young people within Swale leave school ready and hungry for opportunities and it is amazing to be able to help them thrive – and hopefully stay within our borough to work.

“Skills courses like this provide positive memories, important new skills and the confidence needed to take on the working world.

“We worked with CXK and SUEZ to facilitate this skills training, through our waste contract, and we hope other companies within Swale will follow suit.

“One of the reasons SUEZ was a great fit for our waste contract was that they were planning work, like this summer programme, which has a positive impact within our community, and we look forward to continuing this work on many levels.

“We can’t wait to see these talented young people use their new skills to achieve their dreams and make a real positive impact within Swale.”

General Manager for SUEZ in the South, Vincent Masseri, said:

“SUEZ is committed to enriching the communities where we work and helping to equip young people with the skills to pursue their chosen careers is one of the most fulfilling contributions we can make.

“Whether their next journey leads to a job, an apprenticeship, further education, or simply a newfound sense of confidence, the Upcycle Your Skills programme has undoubtedly provided the crucial foundation.”

Programme manager at CXK, Lizzie Gregory, said:

“Youth unemployment in Swale remains higher than the national average, and too many young people are struggling to find their way into work, training, or education.

“That’s why programmes like Upcycle Your Skills are so important. By providing tailored support and direct access to employers, we’ve helped young people in Swale build the skills, confidence, and connections they need to move forward.

“We’re proud to have delivered this programme in partnership with Swale Borough Council and SUEZ – and even prouder of the young people who have taken this important step towards a brighter future.”

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