24 August 2011
Young people from across Caerphilly county borough have been recognised for their achievements in an educational 'Moving Forward' programme.
35 people aged between 14 and 19 completed the 'PreVent Moving Forward Summer School' programme, which is an ESF funded programme that aims to reduce the number of young people not in education, employment or training.
The young people who participated in the summer school were referred to the scheme because they were unsure of their next steps – throughout the programme, they gained qualifications which will help increase their employability, as well as help them to improve their social and personal skills.
The qualifications the young people gained include certificates in Work Skills, Food Safety Awareness, Health and Safety, Alcohol Awareness and St John's Ambulance Emergency First Aid.
Each young person also had the opportunity to take part in seven days of work experience – most did placements within various departments at Caerphilly County Borough Council including Building Maintenance, Fleet Management, Parks Services, Flying Start, IT, Sports Development, Refuse and Cleansing and Catering Services.
The young people were presented with their achievement certificates by the Leader of Caerphilly County Borough Council, Cllr Allan Pritchard at a special presentation day at the Welsh International Climbing Centre recently.
Cllr Pritchard said, "It is wonderful to see these young people really working hard to help improve their future prospects".
He continued, "By studying to achieve extra qualifications during the summer, and with the support of the council and the project team, I hope that this valuable project has given the young people the confidence to move onwards and upwards into further education or gain training or employment".
The summer school programme, which is now in its third year, has been very successful to date, and feedback gained from placement supervisors, parents and the young people themselves has been extremely positive.
The programme was run by the training provider EDUC8, and funded through Caerphilly County Borough Council's Annual Development Network Plan. The young people were supported by a team of learning coaches funded through the ESF PreVent project.
For further information, please contact Michelle Coombs, Learning Coach Coordinator on 01443 866 696.
- Return to News