Swale Borough Council and SUEZ help young adults to upcycle their skills
The ‘Upcycle Your Skills’ initiative, delivered by career guidance and training charity CXK in partnership with SUEZ recycling and recovery UK (SUEZ) and Swale Borough Council, has been designed to support young people in Swale who are not currently in education, employment, or training (NEET), or are at risk of becoming so. By equipping participants with vital skills, confidence, and opportunities, the course hopes to pave the way towards brighter futures in all three key areas.
The comprehensive programme offered a blend of personalised and group support. Participants began with a one-to-one goal-setting session with a dedicated CXK mentor to set personal aspirations. This was followed by twice-weekly interactive group sessions focusing on essential skills such as team building and communication, CV writing, interview technique and how to explore local training, apprenticeships, and education options.
A distinguishing feature of Upcycle Your Skills was the access participants gained to employers. Through meet-and-greet sessions and behind-the-scenes insights, young people learned about the SUEZ operations and the diverse career paths available. Crucially, SUEZ also provided participants with the direct opportunity to interview for live vacancies, offering a tangible pathway into employment.
Cllr Dolley Wooster, chair of the Environmental Services and Climate Change Committee for Swale said: “We are incredibly proud to have teamed up with CXK and SUEZ to offer this much-needed support to the young people within Swale.
“One of the reasons SUEZ was a great fit for our waste contract was that they were planning outreach, like this summer programme, which would have a positive impact within our communities.
“Many young people in Swale leave school and aren’t sure what their next steps are, or lack the confidence to chase their dreams, and providing them with the support they need to succeed is crucial to improving their outcomes.
“A huge thank you to our partners and the young people who took part in the training, committing their time and effort to helping themselves succeed.”
General Manager for SUEZ in the South, Vincent Masseri said: “SUEZ is committed to enriching the communities where we work and helping to equip young people with the skills to pursue their chosen careers is one of the most fulfilling contributions we can make.
“Whether their next journey leads to a job, an apprenticeship, further education, or simply a newfound sense of confidence, the Upcycle Your Skills programme has undoubtedly provided the crucial foundation.”
Programme manager at CXK, Lizzie Gregory, said: “Youth unemployment in Swale remains higher than the national average, and too many young people are struggling to find their way into work, training, or education. That’s why programmes like Upcycle Your Skills are so important. By providing tailored support and direct access to employers, we’ve helped young people in Swale build the skills, confidence, and connections they need to move forward. We’re proud to have delivered this programme in partnership with Swale Borough Council and SUEZ – and even prouder of the young people who have taken this important step towards a brighter future.”