AFC Fylde Community Foundation’s Fylde Focus programme supports local young people back into employment, including 18-year-old Lewis.

Lewis was self-referred to the Foundation’s Employability and Skills team, as he wanted to return to work, and also attend college to study IT.

AFC Fylde Community Foundation has extensive experience in providing positive employment outcomes for people between the ages of 16 and 65 and has successfully been providing support for young people who are not in employment, education or training through the UKSPF and Fylde Council-funded Fylde Focus Programme since April 2023.

After meeting with the staff at Blackpool and The Fylde College, the Foundation supported Lewis’ enrolment onto an IT course, although this was listed as full time, it would only take up 3 days of the week for Lewis.

The Foundation, together with Blackpool and Fylde College, decided that Lewis would be able to work between 15-20 hours alongside his study.

Members of our Employability and Skills staff helped Lewis update his CV and started to apply for jobs.

This exciting project for Fylde will enable AFC Fylde Community Foundation to continue working with local businesses and build on their existing relationships to support people in work.

Mentoring and one-on-one support will be provided for participants, along with lots of information on apprenticeship routes provided to Year 11 students, ensuring they have the correct information to make informed decisions on their future.

Vacancies had been listed at AFC Fylde, working for our Mill Farm Village, we quickly applied and did some interview preparations, going through possible questions and how to conduct yourself in interview situations.

After a successful interview , Lewis was given the position of general assistant, he has worked in the kitchens, matchday hospitality and the numerous bars so far.

Stan Wharton, Employability and Skills Coordinator, said: “It’s been great to support Lewis throughout his journey on Fylde Focus, and to see how far he has come.

“We are pleased to see Lewis settle into his new role at Mill Farm Sports Village, he has really grown in confidence since being on the Fylde Focus programme.

“As a Foundation, we feel it is important to support those in our local community who may need that extra support in finding employment, and I am delighted that Lewis has achieved a position alongside his studies at Blackpool and The Fylde College.”

If you’re a business owner based in the borough of Fylde and are interested in this programme, please get in touch with Chris McNally at AFC Fylde Community Foundation on 01772 598856 or via email chris.mcnally@afcfylde.co.uk.