NEWS FEED
BCHA are offering a Traineeship programme to help 16 – 18 year olds who, as Clifford Cresswell, Vocational Skills Tutor at BCHA, describes, “are now embarking on a journey to a destination they may not know how to get to.”
After years of education they may have finally sat their GCSEs but the past couple of years have been exhausting and all they want to do is have the summer off. Some may have thought about their next steps. However, for those who don’t want to do any more school but really want to get into the world of work and earn some money, or possibly feel confused about what to do next, then help is at hand.
Clifford continues, “We are here to take the mystery out of it and guide them all the way into work, an apprenticeship or training and ultimately preventing them from becoming NEET. “
A NEET is a young person aged 16-24 who is ‘Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET)’ and therefore either unemployed or economically inactive. 853,000 young people aged 16-24 were NEET in the last quarter of 2015 and it can have a huge negative impact on a family.
Clifford explains some of the facts and pitfalls for young NEET people. He said, “They will start to attract concern and pressure from family members as family become fearful about the future and what they are doing with their life. Also carers could be in work themselves and in receipt of working tax credits, which could make up a large amount of their income. They might lose the benefits they were once entitled to. Later on, free courses and opportunities will become limited.”
BCHA’s Workplace Training and Development Course supports unemployed young people within Bournemouth to gain the skills and experience that they need to find the job they want. The programme provides work experience placements, and focuses on helping people to develop good communication skills and other attributes that make an effective worker.
Clifford adds, “There are numerous benefits of our traineeship programme, such a free lunch and travel where eligible, an opportunity to gain work experience and training in their chosen field and qualify with a NOCN level 1 Certificate in employability, plus help and support to progress into paid work, apprenticeships or further education. The chance to grow in confidence and self esteem is also hugely beneficial to the young people.”
BCHA is currently looking for more 16 – 18 year olds to sign-up for its traineeship programme this summer and to find out more contact Clifford and his team on 01202 410581 or email traineeships@bcha.org.uk The next start date is 11 July and a new Traineeship Programme takes place every 8 weeks.
