We aim to increase the ambition of every young person we work with.

Supporting every young person to realise their potential as a result of creative engagement that builds their confidence, provides them with qualifications and moves them on to positive progressions.

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What We Do

  • Supporting those age 14-26 to improve their life chances
  • Utilising creative engagement to increase access to qualifications and progression opportunities.
  • Improving life chances.

Our person centred, non-traditional, non-classroom based approach is proven to engage young people, particularly those experiencing barriers to positive progressions and those who require different approaches to support and motivation, as well as inspire them to move on to positive futures.

We are able to provide a range of employment courses, including innovative barrier removal programmes, that align with Stages 1-4 of the Employability Pipeline. On request we can also provide a range of creatively inspired short courses tailored to your needs.

“There’s no such thing as being ‘bad’ at art, as long as you put work in and try it’ll be good. Enjoy it.”

– Brian, Creative Pathways participant

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Case Study

Creative Pathways

Brian joined Creative Pathways in April 2021 as an 18 years old from West Lothian.

Prior to the project Brian was facing several barriers to employment including anxiety; lack of confidence as a result of a speech impediment; difficulties in maintaining a routine; and a lack of employability skills.

Baseline Review

Over lockdown Brian’s mental health deteriorated and as a result of low self-belief, lack of routine and feelings of isolation, he dropped out of his College course. Having nothing to do only made things worse for him.

Creative Progress

On Creative Pathways, our tutors explored Brian’s interests, strengths and weaknesses. Once we had got to understand Brian, he was given the task of creating an animated film for mobile phones. Whilst anxious about this, Brian started to explore new tools that could help him and soon responded to the brief well. This led him to explore industry-specific software which deepened his skills and understanding.

Growing Confidence

“I used to be really anxious about animation before and now I absolutely love it!!”
– Brian

Creative engagement improved Brian’s confidence, and from there he began to expand his skillset and apply his learning to the workplace – particularly in relation to critical thinking. On zoom, Brian was not comfortable speaking due to his hearing impairment. The chat function was invaluable, allowing Brian to participate in conversations around technology, ecology, the climate crisis and art.

Participants on Creative Pathways take part in outdoor activities; this aspect of the course helped Brian to come out of his shell. At first when the group met outdoors, Brian wouldn’t speak – answering questions by nodding. He soon began to speak and initiate conversations with other members of the group.

Positive Outcomes

In 12 weeks, Brian saw an increase in confidence, courage, determination and drive. He developed a range of employability skills – timekeeping, attendance, commitment, attention to detail, communication, social skills, and IT ability. He achieved his SQA Employability Award at Level 3

Future Plans

With support from the Opportunities team within Impact Arts, Brian was given an unconditional offer from Edinburgh College – Basic Photography. Enthused and engaged he also took up a referral onto Enable’s Stage 3 Employability Course in order to keep up a routine and develop even more skills and confidence ahead of his College start date.

“Brian has really come out of his shell and started helping others, we gave him an Emotional Intelligence Certificate because of how helpful he’s been!”
– Tutor

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Short Courses & Training

Working together achieves more

At Impact Arts we have been delivering a wide variety of programmes for over 28 years.  Our approach is unique in Scotland and is proven to engage and create powerful impacts for participants.

We are able to provide a variety of short-courses and training for your young people, giving them the confidence and skills to engage further with other services and our pipeline of offers:

  • Confidence Building
  • Public Speaking
  • Building and Improving Motivation
  • Assertiveness Skills
  • Communication skills
  • Selling yourself
  • Personal Development
  • Therapeutic Art to Improve Mental Health & Wellbeing

Employability Projects

Speak to Us

Got any questions about employability?

We would love to hear from you. To speak to a member of the Impact Arts Development Team, please contact [email protected].