It’s What You Know…

Youth unemployment is approaching 1m in the UK, alongside almost 1 million job vacancies. WYK are helping to address this imbalance by supporting young people from underrepresented backgrounds to access digital careers. They do this predominantly through the provision of Skills Bootcamp courses in various strands of digital marketing and by working closely with employers to provide employment pathways. Their courses also help their students develop their soft skills – particularly teamwork, communication, professionalism and collaboration and they provide support with applications, CV writing and interview techniques.

How WYK makes an impact

Of their current/ recent trainees, over 80% are from underrepresented backgrounds, 64% female, over 30% were on free school meals and over 20% have disclosed support needs. They have supported almost 1400 learners to the end of 2025 and have a course completion rate of 83%, with 69% obtaining interviews and 50% permanent roles – which are all well above average. Their recent Alumni survey and a key employer audit, evidence that WYKers stay longer in their employment and are more likely to be promoted than their peers.

Where Fredericks comes in

WYK needed social investment to fund working capital as it grows – particularly as the Skills Bootcamp contracts are based on end loaded performance payments. Fredericks invested £50,000 through a Revenue Participation Agreement alongside a £50,000 loan from Big issue Invest. We were also able to facilitate a grant of £30,000 from the Pathway Fund/ Do It Now, Now.