We chatted to Dre Williams, Community Engagement Officer at North Bristol NHS Trust, about his experience of empowering local youth through partnership with Ablaze.
In 2023, North Bristol NHS Trust (NBT) recognised the need for targeted recruitment of 18–24-year-olds from our local communities. This initiative formed part of the Trust’s wider commitment to community engagement and social value.
I began my role as Community Engagement Officer at NBT in February 2024. One of my first priorities was to establish relationships with organisations that support young people in achieving their career aspirations. The goal was to offer meaningful work experience opportunities and employer-specific employability skills to enhance their journey into the workforce.
Initial Collaboration with Ablaze
Early in the project, I met with the team at Ablaze, who introduced me to their Employability Programme. The initiative offered structured support through workshops, employer engagement, and practical work experience. I immediately recognised the value of the programme and saw strong potential for collaboration.
In May 2024, I was invited to deliver an employability session focused on CV writing and job application skills. Although it was my first time working exclusively with young people, I found the group to be highly engaged and full of thoughtful questions. It was clear that Ablaze had prepared them well—they were motivated, focused, and eager to stand out to prospective employers.
Delivering Impact Through Work Experience
Following the success of that session, NBT hosted work experience placements for three young people from the Ablaze cohort. To date, we have supported five candidates through the programme, with placements in:
- Communications and social media marketing
- Customer service administration
- Library and information services
- Talent acquisition
- Day-care nursery
Our placement supervisors provided excellent feedback, noting the professionalism, confidence, and competence of the young people involved. From my perspective, these attributes are a direct result of the training and mentoring provided by Ablaze.
Reflections on the Partnership
Ablaze plays a vital role in inspiring and empowering young people. Their focus on transferable skills — such as communication, problem-solving, and self-presentation — gives participants the confidence to thrive in the workplace. These are invaluable life skills that help provide direction and focus at a critical time in a young person’s life.
I continue to follow the progress of Ablaze alumni on LinkedIn and am inspired by their success stories. The growth and development facilitated by the programme are tangible and deeply impactful.
Looking Ahead
NBT is committed to supporting future Ablaze cohorts by continuing to provide session delivery and work experience placements. We are proud to contribute to the employability journey of local young people and look forward to seeing the continued success of this partnership.
