training matters
youngsters turn over a newleaf
to boost job prospects
A new learning programme targeting young adults in fourth is going to do an Access course so that she can take part in further learning
Plymouth who are currently out of work and not in around health and social care. All of the others want to stay on with the YMCA to
education or training has proved an outstanding do their BTEC and first Diploma in sports courses.”
success.
The first newleaf course - a Community Sports Leader Award - was delivered to a
newleaf, which has been developed by Connexions Devon and Cornwall and group of 11 young people by the YMCA in Plymouth. They came from a variety of
funded by the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) through the European Social Fund backgrounds, with different barriers to learning, and all had been out of education,
(ESF), offers bespoke learning packages that are aimed at young people who have work and training for a long time.
proved hard to engage and motivate or who come from vulnerable groups.
Over 10 weeks the newleaf students took a first aid qualification and an NVQ Level
The programme has been designed to fulfil the learners’ 2 Community Sports Leader Award, including
needs and provide training that is tailored towards coaching qualifications in football, basket ball and
areas they are interested in - whilst taking into cricket. The group also tried out trampolining, climbing,
consideration the employment opportunities available sailing and kayaking.
locally.
The flexibility of ESF funding allowed Connexions to
It has proved so successful that it is now providing a model design the course to include bespoke learning
for similar projects across Devon and the South West. packages that satisfy the needs of each individual on
“We’re very pleased with how newleaf is progressing,”
the course whilst maintaining the group learning
said Oliver Marner, Connexions project team leader.
benefits of team support and motivation.
“All those who took part in the provision are now highly “newleaf is making a real difference to the lives of
motivated and want to engage in further learning or young people and is also making an impact on the
employment. One of the participants is about to join local economy,” said Mark Williams, ESF director for
the Royal Navy and another the Territorial Army.
the young people who took part in the first
“One has gained a carpentry apprenticeship and a
• continued on next page
newleaf course
www.eatsuttonharbour.co.uk
the plymouth magazine 17
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56