WorkItOut March Interim Report (Final)

Work It Out is a pre-engagement programme for individuals not in education, employment or training (NEET) that offers personal development sessions, functional skills Maths and English sessions and work experience and volunteering. Individuals on the programme receive an incentive with a weekly payment of up to £30 a week in order to ensure accessibility and engagement. Work It Out is delivered across six areas in England including Cheltenham, Cinderford, Cirencester, Gloucester, Tewkesbury, and Stroud. This interim report presents the preliminary results collected from September 2023 to February 2024 for the research evaluating the Work It Out programme. The evaluation is mixed methods, using both quantitative and qualitative data collection tools. The quantitative data presented in this report were gathered through two online questionnaires, one reflective and one current, that captured the responses of the programme participant. In total, 29 questionnaires were collected, 14 completed the reflective questionnaire and 15 the pre- and post-questionnaire. The qualitative data presented in this report were gathered through semi-structured interviews, with a total of seven semi-structured interviews, three with delivery partners and four with programme participants. The interim report indicates that Work It Out is achieving positive outcomes, empowering participants to enhance their education, mental health, employability skills, and social skills. Notably, questionnaire responses revealed increases in participants' self-efficacy, wellbeing, and resilience as a result of their involvement in the programme. The findings demonstrate encouraging results, with many participants transitioning into education or employment pathways. Interviews further highlighted the specific needs of the young people involved and underscored the importance of a tailored approach and positive relationships with staff members in fostering improvements in participants' confidence and self-esteem.