We've received grant funding to help build the future of work
Previous work placement participants collaborating and networking at Works Social
We’re excited to share that we’ve just received an Unltd Social Enterprise grant to build upon the successes of our collaborative work placement pilot that took place last year. Thank you to everyone who has supported us on our journey so far - we couldn’t have achieved this without you and we can’t wait to collaborate with many of you on what’s coming next.
We originally set up the scheme to challenge the outdated models of work experience and internships. We wanted to create a paid and flexible work experience programme for young people to build their skills and connections within the freelance and small business community. Alongside this we felt that those providing the work placements deserved to have an equally valuable experience which was able to flex around their needs and capacity as a small business, and connect them with other like-minded entrepreneurs and freelancers.
What next?
As our new reality sets in we believe now is the perfect time to continue to experiment with our model. The traditional models of work and education have been completely disrupted with the Covid outbreak and we feel Collaborative Future plays a pivotal role in paving the way for a more collaborative, sustainable and ethical future of work in which everyone can thrive. Over the next few months we’ll be creating opportunities for business owners, freelancers and young people to learn together about what it takes to create a more fulfilling and inclusive system which generates value for all. The programme will build resilience among existing small businesses whilst also supporting the next generation to develop the skills, connections and mindset that will help them navigate their career.
In the coming weeks we’ll be working alongside Unltd and many of the businesses who supported the original pilot such as Works Social to develop our plans and create a truly transformational experience for young people and small businesses alike. We’re also delighted to have brought Sonia back to work with us to bring fresh ideas to the programme and help us build our brand and reach. You can read more from Sonia here.
If you’d like to be the first to know when applications for the programme are open then register your interest below.
Register interest
If you are a young person aged 18-24 who is interested in learning more about running your own business/ self-employment and you want the opportunity to undertake paid work experience programme within a collective of small businesses or freelancers register your interest here.
If you are a freelancer or small business who is interested in becoming a member of this programme and benefiting from working with other small businesses to provide really compelling, flexible work experience opportunities then register your interest here.
Want to support us to keep doing this work?
If you aren’t looking to participate in the scheme but want to support us in our work then please consider buying us a virtual coffee. We’re also on the look out for partners/sponsors who are interested in working with us to make this programme bigger and better. Please get in touch directly via tessa@collaborativefuture.co.uk if you’d like to discuss further.