Practical Opportunities Programme from Pop Recs
Pop Recs was launched in Sunderland in 2013. We are a record shop, a coffee shop, a music and arts venue, a creative hub, a counselling venue and an art gallery (amongst other things). Opening out latest premises on High Street West has given us the opportunity to launch the POP Project, a fresh approach to training that represents a path toward employment for our trainees.
The POP project is a 4 week vocational course spread across 8 days. The programme is an accredited NOCN Entry 3, level 1, or level 2 Award in Skills for Employment, training and personal development.
We recognise the need for appropriate support for anyone trying to change their situation. The POP Project provides on-site professional assistance to support the mental health needs of our trainees, Graduates of the POP Project will be offered paid opportunities in the music venue, cafe and kitchen on a casual basis, and can apply for permanent employment when we have vacancies.
Learners will:
- Gain key skills & knowledge
- Develop transferrable life skills
- Build trusting relationships
- Develop further study/employment opportunities
- Gain an additional accredited certificate in Food Hygiene
How it works
Launching Winter 2021! Track 1: The POP Kitchen – Catering, Hospitality & Customer Service Skill
Gain Skills in food prep & kitchen craft with a focus on baked goods. Hospitality skills include; till training, barista training and customer service
Launching Later in 2022! Track 2: The Crew School – Sound, Audio & Lighting Technical Skills
Develop skills in sound/audio production and lighting operation, whilst gaining valuable work experience.
Who is it for?
Pop Recs Social Enterprise supports the people of Sunderland, in particular those who are:
- Low income adults
- Probationers
- Victims of violence and abuse
- Care leavers
- Young carers
- Long-term unemployed NEETs
- From disadvantaged socio-economic groups
- Young people and adults who have multiple disadvantages
- Those recovering from drug/substance misuse
What we’d like from you
- BE MOTIVATED and open to learning new skills
- BE ENTHUSIASTIC – keen to be moving towards employment
- BE IN CONTROL of any substance misuse
- FOLLOW OUR DRESS CODE for working in hospitality with good personal hygiene
- DISCLOSE previous convictions to your coach
Work with our partners
At the end of the programme, Pop Recs aims to help secure suitable employment or further work experience with one of our local partner organisations.
Further Opportunities
Practical Opportunities Programme Graduates can:
- Apply for full-time/part-time employment within Pop Recs
- Apply for a Pop Recs traineeship
Referral Criteria/Entry Requirements
- Over 18 & NEET, ORa young carer
- Educated to no higher than GCSE, or have spent a long time out of education
- Persistently low income
- Physically able to work
- If in recovery or have poor mental health, and are receiving support from an appropriate health professional/agency
Referral Agencies
- Washington mind
- Moving On Tyne & Wear
- DWP
- Northumbria CRC
- Changing Lives
- Youth Offending Services
- Sunderland Carers Centre
- Gentoo
- Wearside Women in Need
