Sonia has joined us to build a better work placement scheme

Sonia working with Gary from Pixel Shrink during the work experience pilot

I’m chuffed to share that I’ll be working with Tess on developing the next iteration of the Collaborative Future work placements. It’s only been 6 months since I took part in the pilot of Collaborative Future scheme. Since then, armed with a range of real life work in my portfolio to show my skills, I secured a job close to my interests of design within a charity sector. My experience of the placements and the conversations that took place have been so positive and encouraging, and I’d love for other young people of Nottingham to experience that also. 

I know that the Covid-19 situation has thrown a spanner in the works for a lot of young people. Many weren’t able to sit exams or bookmark a chapter of their lives with end of “school” year celebrations. For those who weren’t sure of their interests, they won’t have the chance to make their decisions clearer with open days or summer work experiences. I think the Collaborative Future programme will be able to provide them with the experience and the motivation which they might be missing right now. For those who have lost their jobs or are stuck in a constant loop of low paid work, these placements will give them a chance to get out there and solidify their interests and passions, without the financial fear. 

While it might not be possible to host the placements in the bright, bold and buzzing space of Work Social this time due to the current restrictions, the Collaborative Future programme will teach just how easy and accessible flexible and remote working can be, while still providing access to the supportive community of freelancers and small businesses that our city is so full of.

Keep your eyes peeled in the coming weeks as we work together to shape the upcoming scheme to be even better than last time.

Sonia Tyrna is providing freelance design, marketing and project delivery support to Collaborative Future. Alongside this she also works part-time as a marketing officer at a charity and is a talented ceramics artist.

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.