Surrey Cricket Foundation and First Sentier Investors empower Super 1s participants for future employment

In a commendable initiative aimed at enhancing the employability prospects of Super 1s participants transitioning from education, Surrey Cricket Foundation have joined forces with First Sentier Investors and the Kia Oval. Over a period of three months, 13 participants from Surrey Super 1s hubs engaged in a programme designed to improve their readiness for the job market. The collaboration between these organisations proved instrumental in equipping the young people with essential skills and experiences.

The programme consisted of a series of online workshops on CV writing and interview preparation during the February half term, and work experience at the Kia Oval.

In early May, participants undertook work experience at the Kia Oval during the Surrey v Middlesex County Championship match. Most participants chose to immerse themselves in roles related to hospitality or stewarding, while one participant had the opportunity to work on ground tours for a day.

Participants were struck by the warm welcome from their new colleagues and expressed their delight at being actively involved in their respective roles rather than simply observing.

The feedback from stewardship staff, participants and their parents was overwhelmingly positive:

"Working at the Kia Oval was amazing. I had lots of fun, the other staff were really helpful, friendly and supportive. I would really hope to work there properly full time"

"Will loved his work experience today! Thank you so much to you, Surrey CCC and the Foundation for helping young people like Will to thrive"

"Thanks so much to you and the rest of the team for organising the work experience - it was really interesting to see the young people embrace the opportunity and I’m sure they will have learned many different things"

Following this, the young participants will update their CVs, having grown in confidence and discovered their potential for success in specific roles, with some having already expressed a keen interest in securing paid positions at the Kia Oval.

The success of this employability programme is a testament to Super 1s and the benefits that the young people experience through participating. The collective effort has made this programme an undeniable success, opening doors of opportunity and transforming the prospects of these young individuals.

To find out more about Super 1s click here. To see how you can get involved with Super 1s in Surrey, please visit here.