A transformative new initiative has helped young people across Conwy County build confidence, gain valuable skills and take exciting steps into the world of work.
Conwy Employment Hub’s GROW (Get Ready for Opportunities at Work) programme, delivered over six weeks at Abergele Youth Den, offered short, sharp, and bespoke training sessions twice a week – and for the 12 participants it’s already making a real difference.
With funding secured from the UKSPF Conwy People and Skills Fund, Conwy Employment Hub was able to work in partnership with Abergele Community Action and The Little Learning Company, to give young people the chance to complete accredited awards to work in the Retail, Hospitality and Childcare sectors, including Customer Service, Paediatric First Aid, Mental Health Awareness, Food Hygiene and Allergen Awareness.
More than 70 accreditations were achieved across the group, and all participants rating the course 10/10 on their feedback forms. The programme has already had an impact on their future prospects with four going straight into employment, seven participants being referred to the Hub’s mentors for continued job support and work placements lined up for some to help them build experience and boost their CVs.
Blue Douglas, Senior Youth Worker at Abergele Community Action’s Youth Den, said:
“The GROW programme has given young people meaningful, earned and crucial certification to assist them in their first steps towards finding employment. Our young people joined us a little downhearted and without a clear direction for their work lives and their transformation has been marked. We are so pleased to have contributed towards the futures they so deserve.”
Participants praised the programme for its supportive staff, engaging content, and the confidence it gave them to move forward in life.
Cam, 17, said:
“It got me out of the house to meet new people and socialise, as well as gave me new qualifications to move into work.”
Dave Nice, Youth Homelessness Project Worker for the Oak Tree Project was invited to the Certificate Presentation and praised all the participants:
“Sometimes in life it’s easy to look at people and assume that everyone finds the same things easy and the same things hard, but that’s not how the world is. For some getting up in the morning, leaving the house or even basic socialising can be unbearably difficult. This cohort had their own difficulties to overcome and it took courage and will for them to turn up week after week, so I am particularly proud of their achievements, and hopefully this has made them realise that if they do can this, then they can do anything.”
Libby Duo, Strategic Manager for Conwy Employment Hub, said:
“The GROW programme has been a game-changer for these young people and the impact has been incredible. It’s opened doors for those ready to take the next step in their journey – whether that’s into training or employment and with them all gaining confidence, skills, and real opportunities it has also delivered a sense of achievement and optimism that is helping them build brighter futures.”
