SLN prize draw winner provides vocational training

20 Dec 2006

Employers and training organisations attending the Sussex Enterprise conference in September were invited to enter the Sussex Learning Network’s prize draw. The winner, picking up his champagne prize just in time for the festive season, was Daniel Cronin, who is the centre manager of Sussex-based project Re:Fresh.

Re:Fresh is the local badge for the Learning & Skills Council funded e2e programme, which stands for entry to employment. The programme engages 16-18 year olds holding five or fewer GCSEs, and offers a package of support aimed at helping young people to progress to further education or employment in a range of vocational areas.

The core of the programme consists of three main elements: basic skills, social and life skills, and vocational training. Young people progress quickly on entering the programme to achieve an Initial Certificate in Effective Communication Skills (Getting Connected), which equips them with essential skills in challenging others appropriately, as well as boosting their confidence in their own abilities.

Re:Fresh is delivered by Nacro, who work in partnership with a range of other organisations and training providers to deliver vocational training. Young people can choose, after tasters, from a series of courses including general maintenance; music and video production; art and design; mechanics; sport; hairdressing, and care. As well as training, young people undertake a work placement to give them the opportunity to put their newly developed skills into practice.  The learners are mostly referred to the programme by Connexions PAs.

The young learners taking part in the Re:Fresh programme are studying at entry level or level 1 – for many this is the first time that they have successfully engaged with a structured training opportunity and gained a qualification, and is the first step on the ladder to increased self esteem and progression into further education or employment.

Re:Fresh has established links with many local further education colleges and providers, some of which are involved in the provision of Re:Fresh courses, and others offer clear progression routes for young people wishing to continue their education. Progression onwards is a key focus of the programme. Learners benefiting from the support Re:Fresh offers to move on to further education locally will also benefit from developments led by the SLN. New opportunities to progress from further into higher education in a number of key vocational areas that match those covered by Re:Fresh mean that for some learners, an entry level qualification with Re:Fresh might be the first step on the path to qualifying with an honours degree from a university in Sussex.

Re:Fresh are always looking for employers that can offer work placements for young people. If you can help, or for more information about Re:Fresh, please contact Daniel Cronin.

Contact Details 

Daniel Cronin, Centre Manager, Nacro
Tel: 01273 704010
Email: daniel.cronin@nacro.org.uk