01-02-2008
Wakefield ACES Good News Bulletin February 2008
Success for the Neighbourhood Employment Team and Congratulations to Wayne Kelly
Wayne Kelly has been a learner with the Wakefield Adult & Community Education Service for the past two years.
Wayne's very first course was at St Georges Community Centre in Lupset where he attended a BTEC Level 1 Healthy Eating course. Wayne continued his programme of study by taking the L2 Nutrition Awareness course. He enjoyed his learning so much that he continued, completing Basic Food Hygiene, First Aid and ICT courses and then as part of the Work Expo project Wayne started working towards his Level 2 NVQ in Customer Service. Wayne was delighted that he was offered a placement at the St Georges Centre in Lupset.
"The centre staff were really supportive" said Wayne, "I felt part of the team and was respected and made welcome by the all service users, staff and the learners attending the centre".
Wayne completed his NVQ Level 2 in Customer Care in November 2007 and became a valuable member of the team, deciding to stay on at the centre as a volunteer. Having been unemployed for 6 years Wayne now felt he was ready to start looking for employment, joining the Access to Employment project at the Lupset centre was to be his next step forward. With the help of Geraldine Wriglesworth, Senior Tutor and his advisor on the project, Wayne completed an application form for the job role of administrative assistant at the centre and it was to Wayne's delight that his interview was successful and Wayne was offered the job.
Wayne's comments:
"I have really appreciated the opportunities I have been given, especially having the chance to achieve my NVQ Level 2 in Customer Care at St Georges. My confidence has grown so much and my communication skills have really improved. When I first started my placement I was afraid to answer the phone, now I can talk to anybody and everybody. I am so proud of what I have achieved and I can now share my experiences with other learners attending the Adult Education Courses and the Access to Employment Project at the centre."
Anyone interested can check their eligibility for a free place on 01977 723940 or text 07884 302704 and the team will call back.
The Access Employment project is funded by European Regional Development Fund and Yorkshire Forward
Congratulations
Congratulations to: Victoria Riley, who is on work placement at Five Towns Resource & Technology Centre, has recently completed NVQ Level 2 Business & Administration. She is now set to enrol for Level 3. Congratulations from all at Five Towns!.
A Learner Journey in Family Learning
My Learning Journey
By Sharon Harvey
At the age of 16, Sharon went into full time work. She had a variety of jobs, including working in a petrol station, in a small post office and in a dental reception. She felt she never had the chance to learn for herself.
Sharon Harvey
She had a daughter when she was 35, and being a full time mum at home, her confidence suffered. While her daughter was young, in spite of not feeling that she was good at mixing with others, she pushed herself to go to a mother and toddler group.
She continued to push herself, taking a computer course and attending various Family Learning Courses at her local children's centre, achieving several qualifications along the way. As she said, "I started doing something for myself as well as my daughter".
Sharon says that learning has changed the way she feels about herself. "It's helping me become more confident and has let me feel like I'm keeping up with everyone and not getting left behind. It's changed my attitude because now I won't hesitate in going for something."
Learning has helped Sharon get back into the community and meet new friends, and it has added to her CV, as she says, "it will show I'll have a go and try to pick up new things".
- Left school, aged 16
- Full-time employment
- Variety of jobs including working in a petrol station, working in a sub post office and dental reception
- Age 35, had daughter (Amy)
- Being a full time mum affected her self confidence
- Never felt she had had a chance to learn for herself and would be left behind
- Pushed herself to go to a mother & toddler group
November 2005
- Asset course
June 2006
- Clait course
Spring 2007
- Family Health Course at Michaelmas Children's Centre
- Achieved Level 1 Literacy
- Voluntary work at local church toddlers' group
Summer 2007
- joined FEET (Families Enjoying Everything Together)
- Family Literacy Course at Michaelmas Children's Centre
- Achieved Level 2 Literacy
Autumn 2007
- Maths is Magic Course at Michaelmas Children's Centre
- Achieved Level 1 Adult Numeracy
- Began Helping in School
- Course at St Michael's School
Spring 2008
- Continuing Helping in School Course
- Nominated for Adult Learners' Week Award
- Enrolled on Family SEAL Course at Michaelmas Children's Centre