Communities First: Fit to Employ – 10 week challenge

Communities First is running a training programme to get young people fit for work.

The Fit to Employ challenge is a 10-week programme to engage young people aged 16-24 from the Carmarthenshire Communities First cluster area.

The challenge delivers activities to raise young people’s confidence, improve their skills and general health through a mix of physical activity and learning to increase their employability.

Engaging and motivating learners is the main priority and with this in mind the programme has been written with a focus on meaningful activities which will allow young people to build on their communication and team-working skills.

Support and mentoring will be provided throughout with incentives on offer to encourage participation during the 10 weeks with opportunities to achieve accredited awards and qualifications.

There will also be opportunities for participants to volunteer at events in the local area over the summer period and attend a work experience placement to gain essential experience and boost their existing skills.

A group of 12 local youngsters are currently taking part in the new programme which is already proving to be very popular. Each individual has had an introduction to the Jobs Growth Wales scheme, completed an accredited course looking at ‘Resilience Skills’ and taken part in various group activities to identify their existing skills whilst developing new ones.

The group members have also had skiing lessons and toboggan rides at Pembrey Country Park which is helping to improve their communication and team building skills whilst allowing them to become more active and improve their health.

Carmarthenshire County Council executive board member for regeneration for regeneration and leisure Cllr Meryl Gravell said: “Gaining skills and confidence is important for young people looking for work. The Fit to Employ challenge will help them achieve both.”

For further information on this programme please contact Hannah Evans or Llyr Lloyd in Communities First. Tel: 01554 784847.