Youngsters deemed at risk of becoming NEETs (Not in Employment, Education or Training) have been given a helping hand to boost their skills on a work placement scheme.
Organised by Caerphilly County Borough Council’s Pre-VENT 14 to 19 programme and carried out by training firm Educ8, the Moving Forward project saw 25 NEETs gain access to vocational certificates, taster sessions and work placement opportunities.
Cllr Rhianon Passmore, cabinet member for education and lifelong learning, said: “The Pre-VENT Team have been delivering some invaluable projects for young people in the county borough and Moving Forward is evidence of this.
“Targeted projects such as these are a great way to engage and re-engage pupils who are at risk of finding themselves not in employment, education or training in future, by offering them access to a wider curriculum. Thanks also to the high quality training offered by Educ8, this year has been a big success.”
The programme involved seven days of centre-based training followed by the opportunity to put newly found knowledge into practice during a seven day work placement, in a sector of their choice, whilst completing a Level 1 BTEC Award in Work Skills.
School Improvement Advisor Emma Wilmott-Fisher explained: “The programme has been designed to re-engage young people and sign-post them to future opportunities.
“I would like to personally congratulate all the young people that have been involved, and I hope they have been inspired, motivated and gained confidence in their ability to achieve gold.
“The support of Educ8 is invaluable us they understand the needs of the learner, where they are, where they need to be and more importantly how to get them there. Improving learner outcomes is essential improving life chances, better health and wellbeing.”