‍Introduction

YEP is a UK Government-funded initiative through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, supporting disadvantaged young people aged 16–24 in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. Launched in January 2024, the project runs until March 2026, focusing on those who are NEET or at risk of NEET, have SEN, or belong to other vulnerable groups.

This case study follows Aiden, a talented graduate passionate about game design, who joined YEP to gain practical experience and confidence in the tech and creative industries.

‍Our Role

Real Ideas worked closely with Aiden to identify his barriers and goals. Despite holding a BA in Game Art and prior experience with the National Marine Aquarium on a VR project, Aiden struggled with confidence and lacked hands-on industry exposure. Our role was to provide tailored employability support and create opportunities for him to apply his skills in real-world settings.‍

What We Delivered

When Aiden joined Yep!, our first step was to understand his aspirations and the challenges holding him back. Despite having a BA in Game Art and some experience working on a VR project with the National Marine Aquarium, Aiden lacked confidence and real-world exposure to the tech industry. We worked closely with him to create a tailored plan that would help him bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical experience.

Through regular career coaching sessions, we supported Aiden in presenting his achievements effectively, refining his CV and applications to showcase his creative and technical skills. Recognising that rural job opportunities often require driving, we also helped Aiden pass his theory test, begin practical lessons, and book his driving test—removing a major barrier to employment.

One of the most transformative opportunities came through volunteering. We connected Aiden with the Tuesday Coding Club at Liskeard Library, where he mentored children in coding and game development using Scratch, BBC Micro:Bit, and Python. This experience not only allowed Aiden to apply his technical skills but also helped him develop leadership and adaptability. Working with neurodiverse children taught him how to create inclusive learning environments and communicate effectively—skills that will serve him well in any future role.‍

Impact

The impact of this support has been significant. Aiden expanded his technical knowledge beyond what he learned at university, exploring new programming languages and game development tools. He added real-world projects to his portfolio, strengthening his employability and giving him tangible examples of his work.

Perhaps most importantly, Aiden experienced a personal transformation. His confidence grew as he mentored young people and spoke in front of groups, something he once found intimidating. This boost in self-belief improved his mental wellbeing and gave him a renewed sense of purpose. Today, Aiden feels ready for the next step in his career and is actively applying for roles in game development and tech education.

As Aiden puts it, the biggest benefit was “the confidence boost and hands-on experience” that made him feel prepared for the future.

‍Testimonials

“Aiden has been an incredible asset to the Coding Club. His ability to engage young people and adapt his approach for different learning needs has been outstanding. Watching his confidence grow has been inspiring, and we’re excited to see where his tech journey takes him.”
— Coding Club Coordinator, Liskeard Library

“I have had a great time working with Real Ideas, gaining confidence in my skill set and valuable work experience in-line with the career path I'm passionate about. The support provided has been incredible, starting with helping me pass my driving theory test and expanding to regular career support.

The work I have been able to do with the coding club I was recommended to volunteer with has been a great learning experience as well as a lot of fun. I have improved my game software skills by exploring new software and I have become more outgoing when it comes to engaging with new people.

I would definitely recommend Real Ideas to others as they have not only helped me gain access to opportunities that can help me shoot for a desirable career, but they also have boosted my confidence and given me a strong foundation I can use to develop my skills further.”
— Aiden

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