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Joseph joined Inspira’s Ducks in a Row personal development programme with a clear goal: to turn his volunteering experience with a local charity into a paid employment opportunity. At the time, Joseph faced challenges common among many young people Not in education, Employment or Training (NEET), including low confidence and anxieties. Despite this, he took the initiative to sign up for the programme, showing a strong desire to take positive steps forward.
Ducks in a Row is a 10-week personal development programme, delivered in weekly 2-hour sessions. It supports young people to build confidence, resilience, and key life skills through group activities, reflective learning, and 1:1 careers guidance. Joseph joined a group of nine other young people, many of whom shared similar barriers including additional needs and low self-esteem.
From the outset, Joseph was an active and engaged participant. His confidence grew rapidly, and he quickly became a valued member of the group – not only developing his own skills, but also helping to lift others in the process.
Joseph worked closely with Inspira Careers Advisers Stevie and Jen to improve his employability. Together, they updated his CV, explored job opportunities, and built the confidence needed to apply for vacancies. This led to Joseph being invited to interview for a role at Center Parcs, Whinfell Forest.
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In preparation for the interview, Joseph took part in mock interview sessions with Inspira staff, which helped him practise speaking clearly, structuring answers, and thinking on his feet. His skills in public speaking were also developed through the Ducks in a Row enterprise challenge – a key feature of the programme where participants must creatively pitch a mundane product to a panel of judges (“The Ducks”). This activity helped Joseph practise presenting ideas confidently and thinking creatively, all within a supportive and fun environment.
Joseph also used Inspira’s online careers platform, gaining access to Interview 360 – an AI-powered tool that allowed him to practise interview questions in his own time. This additional support further enhanced his preparedness and confidence.
Thanks to his hard work and dedication, Joseph was successful in securing the role of Activities Coordinator at Center Parcs. In this position, he will lead on a range of activities – something he is well suited to, having demonstrated excellent leadership and communication skills throughout the programme.
Joseph has a hearing impairment and occasionally uses a neck loop to support his communication in group settings. He expressed a passion for inspiring others with similar challenges, sharing.
Joseph is a fantastic example of how, with the right support and determination, young people can overcome barriers and take significant steps forward in their personal and professional lives.
"If I can lead on activities and someone who is hard of hearing sees me in full-time employment, it can show that they can have a positive opportunity too."
Joseph
Customer