Another chance to learn work skills

By Janet Murray

Young people who have left school with no qualifications are getting the chance to learn essential work skills.

Alex's bricklaying ambitions were not taken seriously before

Each gets an individually tailored timetable of courses on a new government scheme known as E2E - entry to employment.

A course based on NVQs - National Vocational Qualifications - provides job search, life skills and information technology training along with vocational training in variety of areas, for a minimum of 16 hours per week.

Learners on the E2E programme at Abingdon and Witney College, in Abingdon, Oxfordshire, can choose to study for qualifications in animal care, bricklaying, catering and child care.

Self-confidence

They receive a training allowance of £40 per week. Learners stay on the programme for an average of one to two years and the programme is run all year round.

Ingrid Shaw, E2E programme co-ordinator at the college, said: "Many of our young learners haven't enjoyed their experience of school.

"The E2E programme offers them the opportunity to develop the confidence and self-awareness they need for the workplace."

Abingdon and Witney College pioneered the new scheme

Entry to Employment is managed and funded by the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) - the body responsible for post-16 education and training in England, outside the universities.

Its target is to reduce the numbers of young people not in education, employment or training by 10% by November next year.

Latest official figures show that about 10% of youngsters aged 16 to 18 fall into that category.

After a pilot phase in 2002-3, the scheme went nationwide in August.

There are now nearly 50,000 young people and 500 learning providers involved.

Help with dyslexia

Abingdon and Witney College was one of 11 training providers which took part in the 12-month pilot.

As a result, many of its E2E trainees have completed the programme successfully and entered into full-time employment with local companies including Homebase and Kids Unlimited.

I knew I wanted to be a mechanic, but I didn't really know how to get there . . . I never had any real explanation of what dyslexia was and why I always got muddled Ashley, 16

Others have moved on to modern apprenticeships.

There are now about 250 students on the programme.

Sixteen year-old Ashley started in September. His individual programme includes dyslexia support and motor vehicle studies.

He said: "I had a bad time at school and left with no GCSEs.

"Following the E2E programme has given me a lot of confidence.

"I knew I wanted to be a mechanic, but I didn't really know how to get there.

"The work placement has given me a stable job and a reason to get up in the morning."

The college attributes much of the success of E2E to the provision of additional support for the large numbers of students affected by dyslexia.

Students benefit from a pioneering course - the Ron Davis Dyslexia Orientation Programme - that complements the E2E course and teaches learners practical ways to combat dyslexia.

Ashley said: "Whilst I was a diagnosed dyslexic at school, I never had any real explanation of what dyslexia was and why I always got muddled about things and never received any help. The Ron Davis programme really helped."

Crime and drugs

Alex ,17, who studied for an NVQ Level 1 in construction, said: "I always wanted to be a bricklayer, but it wasn't taken seriously by others until I joined the course."

Alex's training programme included literacy, numeracy and computer skills.

During the first six weeks of her course she focused on team building, problem solving and confidence-building skills, achieving certificates in health and safety and manual handling.

The E2E programme was such a boost to her confidence that she is now studying AS-levels in law, psychology and theatre studies.

Kevin Richmond, acting head of the school of care, health and supported education, said: "The E2E programme is one of the biggest things to happen for young people for many years.

"I've no doubt that without E2E, some of these young people would be on the streets or turning to crime, drugs or alcohol."

As Ashley puts it: "I now understand why I didn't get on well at school and have been able to do something about it. E2E has given me a second chance."