Training opportunities boosted for Worcestershire teens (From Kidderminster Shuttle)

Training opportunities boosted for Worcestershire teens

7:10am Wednesday 17th October 2012 in News

TRAINING opportunities for young people in Worcestershire have been boosted after the number of providers was doubled.

Worcestershire County Council's Foundation Learning programme, which provides the opportunities, increased provider numbers following a successful tendering round, which has also widened the range of training opportunities in the county.

The programme is open to young people aged 16 to18, who have either just left school or are unemployed and is intended to help them gain skills needed to get into further training or employment.

Providers offer a training including hairdressing, construction, motor vehicle, catering, retail and business administration.

Training takes place in small groups at private training centres or qualifications can be gained through extended work experience.

The programme is part of the council's preparation to ensure suitable training opportunities are available to meet the demand in 2013, when all school-leavers will have a duty to continue in education or training for a year beyond their compulsory school leaving date in Raising the Participation Age.

Kim Wattie, the county council's diverse curriculum manager, said: "We are delighted with the new providers and the diverse range of opportunities they are adding to our programme.

“Helping young people to get on the ladder, either further training or into employment, is high priority for us"

For further information on foundation learning opportunities contact Sarah Walters on 10905 613882. To find out more about Raising the Participation Age visit worcestershire.gov.uk/RPA