Nearly 250 people have had their achievements recognised as part of a successful scheme to provide skills and training across 10 of the most deserving communities in Rhondda Cynon Taf.
Summer Skillz was originally launched in Penrhys by the Penrhys Partnership, but has proved such a success it is now run in the 10 areas that form the Rhondda Fach Community Partnership.
Delivering education, skills and training opportunities based on what people have said they need to continue on their career path, the scheme, and its Winter Skillz counterpart, has helped 742 people so far.
The latest 242 participants to benefit from the initiative were commended at an achievements ceremony held in Penrhys this month, with Rhondda Cynon Taf Cllr Robert Smith as guest of honour.
He helped present awards to the 242 young people and adults who, in the summer of this year, participated in 21 different skills-based training opportunities, including construction, environment, play, health, youth, catering, hospitality and more.
Of those people who attended the training, 66% were between 14-25 yrs. and 39% were unemployed.
One of them is Luke Belmont, who has secured OCN qualifications in tiling, carpentry, plastering, brush-cutting and strimming via the programme and is now back in work thanks to the Future Jobs Fund. He has already helped to refurbish an empty property with his new painting and decorating skills and qualifications.
He said: “Summer Skillz has given me more confidence and a range of skills to help me into the world of work.
“I have enjoyed many of the training programmes and have met new friends. One of the highlights is to see other people benefiting from the work I have done, especially when we made the bench planters for local people to use in the summer. I would recommend the courses to anyone interested – they have helped me to get a job.”
Cllr Robert Smith said: “It was an honour to be here and share in the Summer Skillz 2009 programme.
“It is growing stronger every year, with hundreds of young people and adults benefiting from taking part in such a scheme. I would like to offer my sincerest congratulations to all those involved in such a worthwhile cause.
“This year, the scheme has continued to tackle socio-economic inactivity by engaging young people and adults in alternative learning opportunities that are primarily focused on allowing them to enjoy securing new skills and raising their aspirations, confidence and self-esteem.
“I would like to once again thank all the partners involved, particularly the Penrhys Partnership in making the scheme such a success and long may it continue.”
