At ICM, we are proud to celebrate the achievements of young people who have worked hard to overcome barriers and create new opportunities for themselves. Daryl Marshall, who is preparing to begin studying Marketing at Bournemouth Arts University, is a wonderful example of the impact the programme continues to have on young people's lives. In partnership with Spear, ICM is providing work experience opportunities to Spear Graduates, providing skills, guidance and support as they prepare for the next stage in education, training, or employment. Daryl's journey is just one example of how the Spear programme is creating new opportunities for many and is one of the UK's leading youth employment programmes.
The Spear Programme was created to help young people aged 16-24 overcome barriers that may have prevented them from accessing employment, education and training. Since its launch in 2003, Spear has been able to support over 12,000 young people and grown to 17 centres across the UK, with further expansion planned in the coming years.
Through a combination of confidence-building, mindset coaching and practical employability training, participants are supported to recognise their strengths, build resilience and develop the skills needed to thrive and succeed in their studies and workplace.
Support does not end when the programme finishes. Young people continue to receive coaching and guidance for up to a year as they progress into employment, education or training. With the intention of helping them build sustainable and successful futures.
At ICM, we are proud to support organisations such as SPEAR, who share in ICM’s mission, as they continue to transform lives through education, guidance and opportunity. Their work not only helps young people overcome challenges but also empowers them to pursue ambitions that may once have seemed out of reach.
Since launching in Bournemouth, Spear has supported more than 400 young people, with 362 successfully completing the programme.
Many participants begin their journey facing significant barriers to employment, education and training.
Local programme data shows that:
· 56% grew up in households receiving benefits.
· 53% entered the programme with fewer than five GCSEs.
· 43% reported mental health challenges.
· 38% had a learning difficulty.
Despite these challenges, Spear Bournemouth continues to achieve exceptional outcomes. The current rolling 12-month Employment, Education and Training (EET) rate stands at 87%, meaning that 87% of participants who completed the programme are now in employment, education, or training. 61% of participants in the current cohorts are already in employment or education despite being only one month into their year of support.
These results demonstrate the impact that targeted support, practical experience and ongoing encouragement can have in helping young people realise their potential.
Daryl's journey is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when determination, support and opportunity come together.
After joining Spear Bournemouth, Daryl worked hard towards his goals while developing the confidence and skills needed to progress into education and employment. As part of this journey, Daryl gained valuable experience with ICM, supporting digital marketing and marketing research projects while gaining insight into a professional working environment.
This hands-on experience allowed Daryl to develop workplace skills, build confidence and explore an area of interest that would go on to influence his future ambitions.
Today, Daryl is preparing to begin studying Marketing at Bournemouth Arts University, taking the next exciting step in his educational journey.
Daryl's progression highlights the impact that practical experience, personal development and ongoing support can have in helping young people realise their potential. Everyone at ICM has enjoyed working alongside Daryl and following his journey, and we look forward to seeing all that he achieves in the years ahead.
