European Social Fund (ESF) case study - Workforce Training Services - Get Connected 1
Get Connected is a programme provided by Workforce Training Services that targets young people aged 16 to 24 who are deemed NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) and would like to enhance their employment opportunities. The project is part funded through the Northern Ireland European Social Fund 2014-2020 and the Department for the Economy.
Participant’s story
This participant joined the Get Connected programme after completing school. It was a big step for her as she had a number of barriers to learning which made it difficult for her to adapt to new situations and she was therefore concerned about joining. However, following a lot of meetings between the project, the participant and her parents, she decided to give it a go.
At the beginning, she needed a lot of reassurance and support from staff, but as time went on and she made new friends she became more confident and excelled on the programme. Her attendance and punctuality were excellent and she always gave 100 per cent, joining in every session.
Training for Success programme
The participant went on to secure a place on the Training for Success (TfS) programme, studying childcare.
She says that
“without the help of the Get Connected programme I would never have had the belief or confidence in myself to apply for a full time training course. It gave me the opportunity to get to know the staff before I started my childcare. I have made a lot of new friends and I love my placement.”
Her childcare tutor says she is now making excellent progress on the TfS programme. She has secured a placement in a nursery, which she enjoys very much.
The participant hopes to complete her Level 2 childcare and progress onto the Apprenticeship programme to complete Level 3.