Coleg Gwent’s commercial training department Business Edge has been helping young people to reach their potential and create better future prospects for themselves and their families with Barnardo’s Young Families Service in Newport.
Thanks to funding secured by the children’s charity, the College was able to team up with Barnardo’s Young Families Service, which works with young parents aged 16-21 in Newport, to offer training and accreditation opportunities, such as Paediatric First Aid, Cultural Awareness and Food Safety.
Laura Bailey, a young mum aged 18, said: “When I started the project I was a bit worried about training being like school, but it was fun and I learnt a lot of valuable stuff.
“I recently got a job in a sandwich shop and was picked out of 38 applicants because I had my food safety and first aid certificate. I now have a better quality of life and my family are proud of me.”
Claire Reardon, Sales Liaison Officer from Business Edge at Coleg Gwent said: “Our partnership with Barnardo’s has been a great success, delivering training courses which meet the needs of young parents and improving their independent living skills.”
Stephanie Pike, Senior Practitioner at Barnardo’s Newport Young Families Service, said: “Coleg Gwent has been very adaptable to our client groups needs and the courses have incorporated different learning styles.
“This project has been very positive and has led to two young people gaining employment, three young people going onto further education and two young people becoming volunteers with Barnardo’s.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Coleg Gwent for their contribution and hope to continue the good work and build on the successes.”
