STEP

Join us to complete a practical assignment!

In STEP Skape, we take on a straightforward, practical assignment for a business, an organisation or someone else who needs something done. You become part of a small group that completes the assignment, together with MIKS mentors and a skilled professional who helps with the practical work.

The assignment might involve building something, renovating a room or improving an outdoor space. You help explore solutions, plan the work and carry out the tasks. At the end, we present and hand over the result to the people we have made it for.

Along the way, you try different tasks, work with others and see how your contribution becomes something useful to other people.

The programme lasts 12 weeks, with sessions on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 09:00 - 14:00. We plan for small groups of 6-8 participants.

Who is it for?

STEP Skape is for young people aged 16-24 who need a route into education, work or another activity, or support to stay in school.

You might enjoy learning through practical work, want to gain work experience, or need a regular activity and something meaningful to do with others.

The starting point is that you want to show up, give things a try and contribute to a group. You receive training in the tasks and tools we use, with guidance along the way.

What a day might look like

We start the day together and make a plan for what we will do. We then work on the assignment, with time for breaks, food and conversation along the way.

Here is an example of a day once the practical work is under way:

09:00 - 09:30Breakfast together

We meet at our premises for a simple breakfast and a calm start to the day.

09:30 - 10:00Planning

We review what we did last time and what we will do today. We then go through the tasks and share out the work.

10:00 - 11:30Practical work

We work on the assignment itself, either in the workshop or at the location where the work is needed.

11:30 - 12:00Lunch break

A shared lunch break.

12:00 - 14:00Continuing the work and finishing together

The work continues. Towards the end of the day, we tidy up and review what we have done.

When we work at a project site, MIKS arranges transport between our premises and the site.

The days vary depending on the assignment and how far we have progressed. On some days, we meet the client or try out solutions. On others, we spend most of the time building, making and finishing things.

From the first meeting to a completed assignment

What might the 12 weeks look like in practice? Here is an example in which a youth club needs help with a room that is rarely used. The club wants a welcoming meeting place, and our assignment is to build a seating area and a table, and give the room colour and character.

Throughout the programme, we alternate between planning, trying out solutions and practical work. The assignment and tasks are adapted to each group.

Week 1Getting started and working together

Participants get to know each other and the mentors. The group goes through the programme and agrees on how to work together.

Weeks 2 - 3The assignment and the needs

The group visits the youth club, looks at the room and talks to the young people about their wishes and needs.

Weeks 4 - 5Design and planning

Ideas take shape through sketches and choices of colours and materials. The design and construction work are planned together with the skilled professional.

Weeks 6 - 7Starting construction

Work begins on the seating area and table. Participants share out the tasks and work together, with professional guidance along the way.

Weeks 8 - 11Building and finishing

Construction continues, and the room is painted and furnished. Solutions are adjusted along the way, and photographs document progress.

Week 12Handover and next steps

The result is presented to the youth club, and everyone marks the completion together. Each participant reflects on their experiences and makes an individual plan for the future with their mentor.