Summer Skillz Awards 2011

Whilst unemployment amongst young people is on the rise, a partnership approach to upskilling local people in the Rhondda Fach has been hailed a huge success. The Rhondda Fach Community Learning Programme was developed in 2006 by local partner agencies and to date over 1600 young people and adults have benefitted from the skills programme and has provided a platform for people to enter further education, training and employment.

At the recent Rhondda Fach Community Learning Awards Ceremony local young people and adults celebrated their achievements, with 190 people participating in a range of formal and informal training such as dry stone walling, environmental and carpentry skillz, brush cutting and strimming, routes to retail, Awareness and Coping with ADHD, Local Ambassadors for Tourism and a range of first aid, food hygiene courses etc.

As a direct result of the programme, in 2011 alone 438 people have benefitted from the programme, and at least 35 people have gained employment in the Rhondda Fach, in Playscheme/Youth Work, Environmental and Construction Work, Retail.

Rhondda AM and Minister for Education and Skills Leighton Andrews said: "The Summer Skillz training programme has played an important part in developing skills and securing qualifications for people in the Rhondda Fach. I was extremely pleased to play a role in the awards ceremony and to congratulate participants on their well-deserved success."

"This scheme is great example of individuals and organisations across the community, coming together to make a difference and improve people's life chances. I applaud the efforts of all of those who took part and made it such a success."

Organisers of the programme commented "whilst there are limited job opportunities at present, we are hopefully giving people the confidence, hope and raising aspirations by improving skills and providing work placed training for many young people in particular (of which 50% are between 14-25 years) who benefit for the programme. We are also seeking to support people who are furthest away from the job market and 35% of participants are unemployed."

The Learning Partnership also announced that they had received financial support from the Rhondda Trust (proceeds from the closure of Burberry factory) for the programme for the next two years

Local young lads Gareth Humphries (age 25), David Humphries (age 21) and Morus Williams (age 21) from Penrhys, who have undertaken various environmental and construction training have seen their prospects improve by securing work with Penrhys Partnership as Estate Workers - "we have been fortunate to have skills training in our locality and this as helped us secure jobs in an area of work that we enjoy. We are also putting something back to the community and as young people we hope that we can change the perception of others and that we do want to work and earn a living."

The ceremony also launched a new Digital Inclusion project to support local people. The BIG Click RCT project focuses on introducing the benefits and practical uses of technology and the internet to people throughout the Rhondda Fach whilst improving the use of technology and internet with groups and organisations.

Sessions include basic ICT, email and internet; mobile phones workshops, family ancestry, financial inclusion and digital photography as well as topics relevant to each individual. Supported by the Welsh Government Communities 2.0 programme direct support will be offered to individuals to develop skills in communities that will allow for more community members to reap the benefits of getting online. Whether this is for financial gain through price comparison websites, financial control through banking online, improving job prospects through job search and producing CVs (including video CVs), or educating parents on internet safety precautions and awareness.

If you are interested in either the Community Learning Programme or
The BIG Click RCT project, please contact 01443 755008.

We are grateful for the support of so many partners who have enabled this programme to be developed.

Penrhys Partnership (who lead on the project)
Maerdy Communities First
The Mission - Blaenllechau
Tylorstown Ontrack
Tylorstown Communities First
Rhondda Life
Welsh Government - Communities First Programme
Rhondda Cynon Taf CBC - Services for Young People
Rhondda Cynon Taf Canopi Partnership
Ferndale Community School
Job Centre Plus - Want to Work
Welsh Government - Communities 2.0
ACROW De Cymru Ltd.
RCT Homes
Rhondda Trust
Village and Valleys
BTCV Family Employment Initiative
Groundwork Merthyr RCT

You can read Leighton Andrews' article about the Summer Skillz Awards  here