John Leggott College Aim to ‘Break Barriers’ to Support Young People into Work

This autumn John Leggott College in Scunthorpe is encouraging young people who have not progressed on to further education or employment to join a new course. ‘Breaking Barriers’ is a two-day-a-week programme aimed at equipping 16-17 year olds with the skills they need to secure their first job or improve their skills ready to move onto an apprenticeship or other training.

The latest official figures show that almost a million 16 to 24-year-olds are now looking for work, the highest number since records began in 1992.

The programme at JLC will be an intensive mix of hands-on learning, real qualifications and confidence building. The Department for Education has identified that more than ever, it is essential to get young people the skills they have missed out on in school as employers want workers who are able to communicate, handle numbers and use IT. However, they also value the soft skills such as team working, presentation skills and leadership ability.

Julia Pollock; Deputy Principal at the college said, “Unemployment can have a particularly negative impact on young people, and the longer it goes on; the harder it is to find a job”

“The college has often been praised for the way it supports young people from all backgrounds in raising their aspirations and we want to encourage anyone who feels they could benefit from some help with reaching their career goals to join us on the Breaking Barriers programme”.

The programme has been designed by Claire Holmes; an award-winning teacher and young manager at the college who believes passionately in supporting students to be successful. She has pulled together a team of top staff who will work with the breaking barriers students to help them gain confidence and achieve recognised qualifications in Maths, Communication, IT, First Aid, Leadership and Work Skills.

Students will get to know the staff and each other on a special ‘Introductory Afternoon’ and ‘Team Building’ day on the 17^th and 18^th of November and start their qualifications the following week. Ex-professional footballer and Life Coach John Borland of ‘Fluent Coaching’ has been seconded to the team to help prepare staff and potential students for the course.

Claire said “We really believe that the supportive environment we create at the college will help these young people flourish. I am very excited about the programme we have put together and the high quality of staff who have volunteered to take part in it; we can’t wait to get started!”

Because of limited space at the college there are only 20 places available at present but if it is successful it is hoped to run more in the future.

For more information about the courses JLC has to offer visit the Open Evening on Wednesday 9^th November or visit www.leggott.ac.uk

We have organised a free park and ride service from Scunthorpe United’s Glanford Park to make car parking easier for people.

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