With growing national concern about young people’s futures, including recent reports highlighting that nearly one million young people in the UK are not currently in education, employment or training, YMCA Fairthorne Group is taking proactive steps to help create clearer pathways into meaningful careers.
Recently, students from Fareham College visited our Fairthorne Manor for an Early Years Careers Day, designed to introduce them to the realities and rewards of working in the sector.
During the visit, students experienced a live early years environment, met practitioners, and gained first-hand insight into the vital work that takes place every day in supporting children and families. Seeing the setting in action helped bring the profession to life and gave students a better understanding of how they could build a career that makes a real difference.
For many of our teams, it was also an opportunity to showcase the skill, care and dedication that sits behind early years practice – and the impact it has on the lives of children and their communities.
Vikki Kennesion, Early Years Director at YMCA Fairthorne Group, said:
“Creating opportunities for young people to experience Early Years in a real and authentic way is incredibly important. When students can visit a setting and meet practitioners, it brings the profession to life.
We believe every child deserves the best start in life, and that starts with passionate, skilled practitioners. Supporting young people into careers like Early Years means investing in futures – not just their own, but the children and communities they will go on to shape.”
Events like this are part of YMCA Fairthorne Group’s wider commitment to supporting the next generation of practitioners and building stronger pathways into careers that help children get the best possible start in life.
By working closely with education partners and opening our doors to students, we’re helping more young people see the difference they can make in their communities – and the rewarding careers that can begin right here.
