One recent learner’s journey highlights the difference that the right environment and consistent guidance can make.
When Lucy Dale first arrived at the Youth Employment Hub at the Beacon of Light in July 2025, confidence was extremely low. Lucy attended the first meeting accompanied by her mother, who spoke on her behalf for much of the conversation. It quickly became clear that a lack of self-belief was a significant barrier to progressing towards employment.
However, once Lucy began working with the employability team at the Harrison Centre, progress started to build. Staff created a supportive and welcoming environment where Lucy felt comfortable returning regularly. Attending appointments at the Beacon of Light felt far less intimidating than previous experiences in more formal settings, and within a few weeks Lucy began attending sessions independently.
A key early focus was on employability skills. Lucy had no previous work experience, which initially made the idea of applying for jobs feel unrealistic. Through practical guidance sessions, the team worked on strengthening Lucy’s CV and exploring how existing skills and interests could be presented positively to potential employers. Interview preparation also helped Lucy understand how to communicate her strengths and approach opportunities with greater confidence.
As her confidence grew, Lucy began to engage more actively with additional workshops and development opportunities. This included attending a Preparation for Work session delivered by the National Careers Service. The experience helped underline the progress already being made and encouraged Lucy to take part in further activities.
Over time Lucy became increasingly engaged in group sessions and skills workshops, including activities designed to develop teamwork and communication. During one workshop staff saw Lucy taking on a leadership role within the group, helping to organise tasks and support others. This marked a significant shift from the quiet and hesitant young person who had first arrived at the Centre.
Alongside employability training, Lucy also participated in wellbeing activities, including multi-sports sessions that provided opportunities to socialise, build friendships and improve overall confidence. These sessions played an important role in helping Lucy develop both physically and socially, strengthening the personal skills needed for work.
With confidence and engagement continuing to improve, employability coaches felt Lucy was ready to take the next step towards employment. The team arranged an informal conversation with a local retail employer, which led to the opportunity for a four-week work placement. Throughout the placement, Foundation of Light staff maintained regular contact to provide encouragement and support.
The placement proved to be a success and at the end of the placement Lucy was offered a permanent part-time role, securing a position in retail working 16 hours per week.
Daniel Harrison MBE, trustee of the Harrison Foundation, said:
“Stories like Lucy’s show the importance of building confidence alongside practical skills. Many young people simply need the right environment and the right guidance to take that first step. Once that confidence grows, opportunities begin to open up. Seeing learners move into employment and begin their working lives is exactly what the Harrison Centre is designed to support. Well done Lucy.”
Lucy’s journey represents an important first step onto the career ladder. Arriving with no work experience and very little confidence, she has progressed into paid employment while developing the skills and self-belief needed to continue building her future.