Frequently Asked Questions

We’ve put together some commonly asked questions to give you more information about Commercial Foundation and the service we offer.

If you have a question that you can’t find the answer to, please use the contact us page.

NOTE: Clicking on the question will reveal the answer.

What do I need to do if I’m interested in taking part in the #NoLimits Programme?

Get in touch with us! You can call us or email us, or, you can ask someone to contact us for you. This could be a friend, an adult, or someone from the job centre. We know that talking to a stranger can make you feel a bit nervous. But remember, we are people just like you.

What work will I do week by week?

On a daily basis, you will work as a volunteer in Commercial Foundation’s print facility, WE DO. Print. You’ll be doing real work, for example, printing banners, mugs and mouse mats. The work varies from day to day. If printing isn’t your first choice for a job, then don’t worry, it’s still really valuable experience. And, you’ll get to experience all aspects of running a business, such as marketing, finance, production, warehousing, distribution, IT and fulfilling customer orders.

In addition to working at WE DO. Print, you’ll be developing other important skill sets. Each week, there will be a different topic. For example, one week will be about presentation skills, one will concentrate on job interviews, another will look at building resilience, and so on. That’s why it’s best if you attend every day for the full eight weeks.

What’s a mentor and why do I need one?

A mentor is someone that can help and guide you. When you join the #NoLimits Programme, we will assign you a mentor. You can talk to this person about anything that is bothering you, and he or she will do all they can to help.

What if I can’t make it in to The Commercial Foundation or into work?

It’s important to try to make it in every day so you don’t miss anything! However, we understand that things come up and you might not be able to come in. Please let us know by calling your mentor – we want to know you are ok. When you are ready to come back in, let us know, and we’ll be happy to see you.

Will I definitely get a job?

We can’t guarantee that you will definitely get a job at any time during the eight weeks, or after the Programme has finished. However, we will show you how to search for jobs, how to apply for jobs that interest you, and what you need to do to give yourself the best chance of getting a job you want. You will also learn lots of new skills and have a CV to offer to employers. You’ll have plenty to say at interviews, and you’ll be much more likely to get hired. If you don’t get a job and you want to carry on with the next #NoLimits Programme, you can talk to us about rejoining.

I’ve been to University; is the #NoLimits Programme suitable for me?

Whatever your education level or achievements, the Programme could be suitable for you. Get in touch with us for a chat.

Do I need any qualifications?

No, you don’t need any qualifications to join the #NoLimits Programme. We want to hear from you whatever your past experience has been with school or college. As long as you 16 to 25, you live in the Gloucestershire area, and you want to get into work, our Programme could be suitable for you.

I suffer from anxiety. Is the #NoLimits Programme for me?

Yes, the #NoLimits Programme is suitable for everyone. Lots of young people tell us that the Programme is good for them because they get into a routine, and this helps with their mental health. If you are struggling, please talk to your mentor about how you are feeling. We will do all we can to help you and make you feel comfortable. If you do find you need to leave the course, don’t worry, you can look at joining again when the next course starts.

I’ve never had an interview before and the thought terrifies me. Will I need an interview?

Don’t worry if you feel nervous or scared about having an interview, or you’ve never had an interview before. In fact, we won’t really ask you to come for a formal interview at all. Think of it as a friendly chat. If it makes you feel better, we can meet you somewhere you feel comfortable, and grab a coffee while we talk to you about the Programme.

How long is the Programme and do I need to complete it?

The #NoLimits Programme is eight weeks long and you need to complete the course if possible. That’s because each week we cover something different, and we don’t want you to miss out. If, however, you are unable to attend for the full eight weeks, that’s ok. You can simply join the next course, as long as we have places.

What if I get a job before the Programme finishes?

Great! If you are offered a job before the Programme finishes, you can accept the job. When you start work, you can call us or email us if you need any advice or you want to talk things over with your mentor. In any case, we will keep in contact with you to see how you are getting on.

Do I need to arrange my own work experience?

No, you don’t need to arrange your own work experience. Commercial Foundation has lots of contacts who offer work experience, so we will organise a placement for you.