Family & Community Essential Skills has helped over 450 people within Cornwall to upskill and gain support to help improve their lives.

European Social Funding has invested in a programme of support for employed, recently redundant or those unemployed who are looking to complete level 3 training in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly to progress in work and further education.  The investment is part of the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Growth Programme.

The project started delivery in January 2018 through a skilled subcontractor network supporting learners to gain new skills and access flexible accredited qualifications and bespoke learning packages. CSW Group manages and delivers contracts to engage all its customers in learning and work. The company has grown steadily and now delivers services through contracts which extend across the South West region.

Learners over the age of 16 years old can access this service locally and select from a wide range of flexible training from: bespoke learning packages (tailored to increase productivity) to Body Massage, kitchen management or coaching multiskills sports. The project has delivered support to the workforce from all industries in line with LEP priorities.  The families project has so far helped learners to enrol on 1052 new qualifications.

Impact quotes from learners and employers:

“It was brilliant, very convenient.

You have opened my eyes. I feel like I have been blind for 40yrs and now I can see again. The whole approach to learning and the construction of lessons for people has been a completely new learning curve for me. I can see I have a whole new future for me in this profession.

“The course has given her the confidence to move forward and learn. A lot of time was spent with the mentor who offered her help, advice & guidance which took away her barriers.Training gave her the knowledge and finally a job that she has not had for 7 years”

Paul Hobson (CSW Group CEO): “The Families and Community Essential Skills project has overachieved the amount of learners anticipated which has meant that many Families within Cornwall have been able to access free training to support them to move forward into employment, gain progressions or access further education. CSW Group have 20 years of experience supporting transition management the Families project has enabled the company to reach more employed learners and indirectly support communities to make a positive impact.

Cathie Kessell, Employment and Apprenticeship Officer at Cornwall & Isles of Scilly LEP “This Project has enabled many people of all ages and backgrounds, whether already in work or those wishing to enter work, to gain valuable skills.  Helping them to progress in their chosen career or job and, for some, will be the start of their journey to further learning and qualifications.”