The purpose of the ‘POP' Initiative is to introduce and inform 16-18 year olds of further education or work opportunities available, empowering them to make informed choices about their future engaging the participants in a staged programme of activity increasing in intensity as they sustain and progress.

The course covers topics such as healthy lifestyle classes, employer visits, Reid Kerr College visits, career essentials and football coaching delivered by St Mirren.

The programme mirrors much of what our partners deliver within the award winning Support Employment programme, but tailored to a younger age group.

Broken up over 2 x 6 week blocks, the aims of the course can be highlighted in some of the key aims below :

To create an environment conducive to teamwork and gauge personal starting points.

To begin process of creating positive routine and discipline via football coaching and to engage clients in developing employability skills.

To begin the process of step by step career planning and learning how to identify appropriate next steps.

To gain an understanding of the employers perspective when recruiting staff.
To encourage practical application of jobseeking skills.

Experience an interview from the employers perspective therefore creating a good understanding of how to get that job.

To recognise the workplace values that employers are looking for and ways in which to demonstrate them.

Identifying appropriate workplace behaviour to sustain the job. Celebrating personal differences.

To encourage, motivate, recognise and celebrate personal achievement for everyone on the programme.