From NEET to a social work career, this is Harriet's story...

Harriet* came to IAF looking to explore her career options as she wasn't 100% sure on what she wanted to do. She expressed an interest in a career in childcare but had no experience to help her stand out. Luckily IAF staff are well connected and having previously placed a young person with a local soft play centre, we knew just where to reach out to. Harriet was nervous going to her first shift but felt reassured that Alex, a former Team participant of ours, would also be there to share the experience with. Harriet made a fantastic first impression; she had a brilliant approach with the children in her care and very quickly proved she could be a dedicated part of the team. After the two week placement came to an end, she was offered a paid position alongside an apprenticeship with the childminding side of their business. By this point, Harriet had completed enough of the Team programme coursework to receive her award and eagerly began on her new career path;

"I have got over so many difficult times and developed so many good skills. That is all thanks to IAF. I feel a lot more confident and you have honestly changed me into a different person."

A year later, Harriet was still loving her new career and her social care worker got in touch to tell us what a difference IAF had made for her. Now applying to university, Harriet is taking forward everything she has learnt from her experiences in childcare, with IAF, and from her past to a career in social work herself. Our programme came at just the right time and equipped with the confidence to move forward, she is pursuing her career goals with clarity and independence.