GAINING SKILLS AND CONFIDENCE TO FIND WORK

A group of youngsters from Llanelli have successfully completed the Communities First six-week ‘Fit to Employ’ programme recently.

The aim of the programme is to raise their confidence of young people aged 16-24 from the Carmarthenshire cluster area and improve their skills and general health through a mix of physical activity and learning to increase their employability.

The main priority was to engage and motivate learners and with this in mind the programme was written with a focus on meaningful activities allowing young people to build on their communication and team-working skills.

Support and mentoring was provided throughout with incentives on offer to encourage participation during the six weeks with opportunities to achieve accredited awards and qualifications.  There were also opportunities for participants to volunteer at events and attend work experience placements to gain essential experience and boost their existing skills.

The following sessions were delivered as part of the programme:

Introduction session: Meet the Team.

Week 1: Team Working course (day 1), Walk to Sgwd Yr Eira, Brecon Beacons, Introduction to the Jobs Growth Wales scheme, Careers Wales website & Identifying Skills.

Week 2: Team Working course (day 2), Raft Building, Kayaking and an Inspiration workshop re: volunteering.

Week 3: Resilience Skills course, Dinghy Sailing, CV workshop, a look at Digital CV’s & Vacancy Profiles (Careers Wales website).

Week 4: Interview Skills workshop, Coasteering and an Alcohol Awareness session.

Week 5: Emergency First Aid course, Cycling session and Mock interviews with local employers.

Week 6: Mountain Biking session, Interview feedback, Work Experience session and Recognition day.

Following completion of the programme, two participants have already managed to secure full-time employment and suitable work experience placements are currently being arranged via Job Centre Plus for the remaining participants.

One course participant said: “I would recommend the Fit to Employ programme to other young people. I feel that I have gained different skills such as the CV writing which has helped me to find a job.

“I would like to thank the staff for allowing me to take part in the programme and thank them for helping me to get a job.”

Carmarthenshire County Council executive board member for regeneration for regeneration and leisure Cllr Meryl Gravell said: “Young people looking for work benefit from building up their skills and confidence. Fit to Employ is designed to achieve this and I’m delighted that some of the young people on the recent course have already found work.”

Future ‘Fit to Employ’ programmes are in the process of being organised. For more information or to book your place on the next programme please contact Communities First on 01554 784847.