Cath Murray (Monmouthshire Housing Association), Leanne Ward, (Monmouthshire Youth Service) and Ken Skates AM
Monmouthshire’s Youth Service in partnership with Monmouthshire Housing Association won a prestigious award at last week’s National Youth Excellence Awards held at Llandudno’s Venue Cymru.
“The Way Into Work” programme, funded through the Department of Work and Pensions Flexible Support Fund is designed to equip 18 to 24 year olds claiming job seeker allowance with the skills to get them ready for work.
The programme beat off stiff competition from three other contenders to win the “Outstanding Contribution to Supporting Young People into Education, Employment or Training” award.
The Way into Work programme has recently completed its second phase with over 77 young people supported to date. Over 40 of these have secured employment. Each course runs for six weeks and focuses on raising confidence and aspirations. Each participant is given two weeks’ work experience in their field of interest and they take part in a range of workshops including interview tips, CV writing and team work.
The annual National Youth Work Excellence Awards recognise and celebrate the excellent work of both the statutory and voluntary youth sectors across Wales. This year’s ceremony attracted over 100 entries with a shortlist of 22 finalists. The audience were entertained by Welsh comedian, writer and producer Tudor Owen and multi-talented young musician Ieuan Jones. Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology Ken Skates, AM presented the awards.
Tracey Thomas, Monmouthshire’s Youth Service Manager said:
“We are absolutely thrilled that the Way Into Work programme has won such a coveted award within the field of youth work. The programme has been a huge success with our hosing association partners, with many young people given the skills to get them back into employment. It goes to show that through great partnership working you get great results”.
John Keegan, Monmouthshire Housing Association Chief Executive said:
“The Way Into Work programme has been successful in securing employment opportunities for 42 young people across the county and winning this award is a true reflection of the hard work and commitment of the team in helping young people develop their skills, confidence and aspirations. I look forward to seeing where the programme can go in the future and how many more people it can help.”
