An apprentice youth worker with Caerphilly County Borough Council has been recognised for his excellent contribution to youth work in Wales.
Curtis James, 17, from Penyrheol, was awarded with a Record of Achievement certificate at The Youth Work in Wales Excellence Awards 2013 at the SWALEC stadium in Cardiff.
The award recognises individuals who have successfully taken part in the Reach the Heights youth work apprentice programme.
Caerphilly County Borough Council has described Curtis as an integral part of the ‘Basement Team’ based at Blackwood Library. The project provides information, support and advocacy to young people aged between 11 and 25. Curtis also plays a major role in the editorial team through his involvement with the Youth4U website and works at Llanbradach Youth Centre one evening a week.
Caerphilly AM and the Welsh Government’s Deputy Minister for Skills Jeff Cuthbert presented Curtis with his award last week.
Curtis said: “I am so pleased to have won an award at the Excellence in Youth Work Awards 2013. It has been a true honour and pleasure to have served a year in the Caerphilly County Borough Council Youth Service and I hope to further my experience in working in this field.”
The council’s Innovate project, which works with youngsters in danger of being expelled from school and school leavers without a job, was also a finalist in the awards.
Cllr Rhianon Passmore, cabinet member for education and lifelong learning, said: “Our Youth Service work incredibly hard to engage with the young people across Caerphilly County Borough and to provide fun and challenging activities that are accessible for all.
“To be recognised at a national level for their excellence in Youth Work is something to be especially proud of. Congratulations to Curtis and the team behind the Innovate project for their outstanding achievements.”