Devon and Somerset (Heart of the South West) 15-18 year olds Not in work, education or training urged to take advantage of £1 million to develop skills and progress onto a range of positive outcomes that include employment, education, apprenticeship’s and traineeships.
European Social Funding has invested in a programme of support for young people in Devon and Somerset to get into work, education or training. The investment is part of the HOSW Growth Programme. This project has now been extended to March 2019.
The Skills for Young People project which is open to participants aged 15-18 who are at risk of or, are already, not in education, employment or training (NEET). The programme focuses on those who are at risk of social exclusion and young people from marginalised communities.
The project was awarded in January 2017 to CSW Group who specialise in helping young people to move on in work, life and education. The project is delivered through a skilled subcontractor network supporting young people from priority groups to move closer to employment or further learning in line with LEP priorities. Skills for Young People has so far helped 381 learners to achieve over 192 new qualifications.
15-18 year olds who are NEET or at risk of being NEET can access this service locally and select from a wide range of training to build confidence, resilience and learn how to overcome personal barriers.
Paul Hobson, Chief Executive of CSW said, “We are delighted that the Education & Skills Funding Agency are entrusting CSW Group to continue to positively impact young people in the Heart of the Southwest. As an organisation that champions access to high quality advice and guidance, especially to those from marginalised backgrounds, we are extremely pleased to continue our work and support more young people to overcome barriers and move into employment or further learning. Over the past twenty years CSW has raised the aspirations of thousands of individuals, enabling them to build a brighter future. I would urge any 15-18 year old NEETs’ to contact us today and gain some support.”
Good News Story:
Billie had started at Petroc but unable to remain on the course due to poor mental health, motivation and anxiety. She left to go to another provider, but then sadly followed a similar pattern of an enthusiastic start but then reduced attendance and low motivation; eventually falling off the course completely. Billie was not attending any other establishment but did want further her education. Through non-regulated learning we have supported Billie through mentoring sessions that have focused on maintaining her motivation, planning in small manageable steps and offering her guidance on how to improve her sleep patterns. Billie is now enrolled on a course to keep her motivation high until her course starts in September. She is also gaining support to look for part-time employment.
Claire Antell, Petroc , said, “Without having the mentoring sessions, Billie would not have overcome her lack of motivation and she now understands her sleep patterns more so is more aware of what steps to take to have a better night sleep, therefore making the next day easier.”.
Anyone wishing to find out more or access the Skills for Young People programme to enhance their career should contact DevonCountySfYP@cswgroup.co.uk
CSW Group also delivers this programme in Cornwall. In Dorset CSW Group offer Develop toolkits to support promotion and engagement of STEM opportunities for those over the age of 25 years old. In Solent CSW Group deliver free skills training for the employed and unemployed.
This project is financed by the European Union through the European Social Fund