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2nd Chance Education

602. Brian Linden

Brian Linden set up ‘2nd Chance Education’ to provide 18-24 year olds with free, six month career preparation courses designed to help unemployed young people on their journey towards sustained employment.

The charity works with young adults for four months as trainees focusing on English, Maths and ICT skills, with career coaches providing personal support. Upon graduating to the second stage of the course, young people are given the opportunity to meet and work with a range of employers, a work experience placement and support with crafting their CV and applying for jobs. 80% of participants graduate into a job at the end of their placement and the number of students still in that job after a year is over five times the national average.

In a personal letter to Brian, Prime Minister Theresa May said:

“Your work with ‘2nd Chance’ has given so many young people the opportunity to become work ready and apply their skills in meaningful, lasting employment.”

Brian said: 

“I am very honoured to receive this award on behalf of all the staff and the mentor volunteers at 2nd Chance who, through their dedication, provide young people with the opportunity to improve their education, overcome the barriers that prevent them from accessing employment, secure jobs in areas that interest them, sustain employment and start a career.”

The daily Points of Light award recognises outstanding individual volunteers - people who are making a change in their community.

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