Winter Skillz Celebratory Event 2011

CELEBRATING SUCCESS DURING ADULT LEARNERS WEEK

To celebrate Adult Learners Week, the Rhondda Fach Partnership held their Winter Skillz Celebratory event on the appropriately titled 'Skills for Life Day'

The Winter Skillz programme now in its third year aims to build upon the very successful annual Summer Skillz programme across the Rhondda Fach area.

Held in February, the two week skills training programme saw 174 local people involved in the training successfully complete a range of courses including, Play, Food Hygiene, First Aid, Construction, Brushcutting and strimming, internet safety and much more.

The event held at Canolfan Rhys Arts and Education Centre, Penrhys welcomed Mr. Leighton Andrews - Assembly Member for the Rhondda and Minister for Education and Skills who said: "I am delighted to support the Rhondda Fach Winter Skillz event again this year. These are the learning opportunities that are making a real difference to local young people."

Rhondda Cynon Taf Councillor and now Mayor Sylvia Jones JP said "During these difficult economic times, it is perhaps particularly important that people have these learning opportunities to improve their skills so that they are better placed in terms of employability. Of the people who completed the course, 31% of these were young people aged 14-19 years and 30% were economically inactive.

"Adult Learners Week aims to encourage those who perhaps don't usually get involved in learning to try some of the fantastic and often free courses available throughout the County Borough. Various courses, projects and opportunities available for all ages were held across Rhondda Cynon Taf which can help with employability, and it is great to see the Rhondda Fach Community Learning Partnership, once again creating opportunities through their new Spring Skillz programme to coincide Adult Learners Week.

Luke Belmont from Penrhys, who has undertaken a variety of courses through the programme continues to be eager to learn more and wanted further training to enhance his skills. His appetite for learning led him to successfully complete OCN's such as Carpentry, Dry Stone Walling, Tiling, CSCS Card, a Lantra Award in Brushcutting and Strimming, and Basic First Aid.

Luke has also been recognised for his achievements by becoming the NIACE Dysgu Cymru Young Adult Learner Award Winner for 2011

Luke, said: "These courses have been an excellent step up in my search for employment and since I completed the courses, I am now working for Bullock Cymru as a carpenter. I would recommend learning new skills to anyone because it has changed my life, benefitted my local community and young people like me can make a difference and have something to offer.

"I have never been to University but I am on the first step of the ladder to gaining new skills and experience through learning.
This step has been a huge one for me but I can now look back and say the small step I took at the time has changed my life totally."

"I am more confident and am earning a wage and I feel I am very lucky to have these opportunities in my community. I would encourage everyone to try a new skill, you never know where it could lead."

Cerys Furlong, Programme Director of NIACE Dysgu Cymru, who also attended the event said: "The main objective of Adult Learners' Week is to highlight and promote the fantastic learning opportunities on offer right throughout the country. We have found that once people get a taste of what is on offer, they feel empowered to find out more and many go on to learn new skills that they can put to good use."

Ms Furlong added:"People all have their own reasons for getting back into learning but the main message is that whether you are young or old, an experienced learner or someone returning to learning after a number of years, there is something to suit every taste during Adult Learners' Week.

The Rhondda Fach Partnership also announced their new Job Clubs in partnership with Job Centre Plus which will provide free internet job search, up to date job vacancies, support in writing CV's, help with applications forms, free telephone access, advice, guidance and support and links to a wide range of volunteering, training and employment opportunities.

Sessions are held in Penrhys (Tuesday 10-1pm),
Maerdy (Wednesday 1-4pm)
and Tylorstown (Thursday 10-1pm)

You can join the Rhondda Fach Community Learning Programme Group on FACEBOOK - with up to date information on all courses and if you have any questions, suggestions or concerns talk to us via THE WALL - also there is a new DVD showcasing how local people have benefited from the programme.

The full Summer Skillz programme for 2011 will be available soon from various Communities First Partnerships in the Rhondda Fach or you can contact Julie at Penrhys Partnership on 01443 755008. or email julie@penrhyspartnership.co.uk.