Stories of confidence, skills, and change
This year, as every year, has been about more than numbers; it’s been about people. Behind every statistic is a story of resilience and transformation. For young people from Service families, the challenges of frequent relocation and parental separation can feel overwhelming. But through our Young People programme, those challenges have become stepping stones to success.
Inspiring youth through experience
Take Annie and Henry, two students who joined our work experience placement at Sky. They arrived curious but unsure of what to expect. By the end of the week, they were not only confident but inspired; so much so that they expressed interest in future roles at Sky. As Melina Irawo, Youth and Social Impact Executive at Sky, told us:
“Annie and Henry were a delight to work with, and I’m so glad they are interested in working at Sky following their visit!”
Amazon shared a similar experience:
“It has been truly inspiring to host the talented candidates from the Forces Employment Charity throughout this initiative again! They are always very motivated and eager to learn, and it is rewarding to see improvements in their skills and confidence throughout the week.”
These placements are more than opportunities, they’re confidence builders. And the results speak for themselves: 82% of young people improved their job search skills, 79% enhanced practical job skills, and 63% strengthened life skills.
Building confidence and skills
For our Families programme clients, the story remains just as compelling. Our Empowering You workshops in London, Manchester, and Glasgow were so well-received that they resulted in waiting lists. Spouses and partners arrived feeling uncertain but left with renewed confidence, practical tools, and genuine job prospects. One participant shared that the workshop gave her “the self-belief to apply for roles I never thought I could do.” This year, 93% of spouses and partners improved their job search skills, 88% increased their aspiration and motivation, and 76% enhanced their work-based skills. Overseas clients also experienced the impact, with registrations rising by 20% as we supported partners in maintaining their skills and preparing for re-entry into the UK job market.
Forging pathways for the future
These stories, and the stats behind them, show what happens when opportunity meets determination. By focusing on confidence, skills, and access to employers, we’ve helped families and young people turn the challenges of military life into pathways for success.
