Young people in the Mansfield area have boosted their job searching and employability skills, as well as their motivation and confidence thanks to a local charity’s motivational programme.

Motivate! which is run by The Inspire and Achieve Foundation, is designed for young people aged from 16 to 24 who are not in employment, education or training and wish to begin the search for jobs or further studies.

The two-week course, which was held at the 5th Mansfield Sea Scouts venue off Westfield Lane, saw ten people take up the opportunities that included advice and guidance on how to create the perfect CV, tips on how to prepare for interviews, and a funded shopping trip to buy interview clothing.

Participants also had a team-building session with representatives from the RAF recruitment team where they were challenged to work with each other to build a giant mecchano kit, using teamwork and physical strategies.

The group welcomed Shane Gunstone, of Mansfield manufacturing compan, Asmech Systems Ltd, and Sam Ankh, from recruitment firm SJ Ankh, who provided the Motivate! participants with mock interviews to help build their confidence when applying for jobs.

Twenty-four-year-old Michael Brightwell, who took part in Motivate! said: “These two weeks have been awesome. I’ve found that I’m feeling a lot more confident with people after working in a team environment on the tasks.

“The programme really helps you to see that you can put your mind to anything and achieve. I want to explore more courses and eventually go to college and gain more qualifications.”

Managing director of Inspire and Achieve, Pippa Carter said: “Many participants are now awaiting job interviews and some are looking to apply for college courses.

“It’s proof that the programme, which aims to create interactive and diverse employability provision, is really working.

“To have local businesses involved in the mentoring and information-giving encouraged the members to see they could be in meaningful employment.”

Businesses and individuals who would like to get involved with the Motivate! project, and those wanting to attend, should contact Pippa at [email protected] for more information.