Vulnerable young people who never dreamed they could turn their passion for IT into their future have found jobs in the industry thanks to Talent Match supporter Aspire.
The social enterprise based in Parson Cross, Sheffield, has been specialising in computer recycling and helping vulnerable and marginalised people gain skills for work since 2001.
Aspire works with up to 20 people at a time for up to 12 months and has helped seven Talent Match clients over two and a half years. Three of them are now employed by Aspire and two have moved on to IT jobs elsewhere.
“I would say that’s an excellent indicator of the success of the Talent Match programme. It would be a very sad day if the project were not able to continue through lack of funding,” said Aspire founder and general manager Dave Metcalfe.
“Our Talent Match people all had a passion for IT but never thought they would get a foothold in the IT industry. Now they are building computers and solving IT problems for customers. They have been outstanding, soaking up knowledge and seizing every training opportunity offered.
“We’ve seen visible changes in their personality, attitude and optimism for the future.
“One of them is now the new manager of our retail shop, which sells affordable equipment we have refurbished. He’s doing a fantastic job and is also an excellent mentor to others coming through the programme.”
Aspire is now an Employment Champion for Talent Match, encouraging other companies to get involved.
Said Dave Metcalfe: “Young people are struggling in the jobs market. Available opportunities are fiercely contested and this makes it even harder for anyone with life challenges to get a foot on the ladder. The longer the ladder gets, the distance to the first rung seems impossible.
“We nearly always find that if you offer a hand to someone who has been knocked to the floor, they’ll take it and get back on their feet.”
Aspire relies on volunteers and donations of unwanted computer and electronic equipment. Contact Dave@Aspire-Sheffield.co.uk to make a donation or get involved
Steven Pickering, Joseph Burgin and Connor Williamson in the shop repairing a PC