European funding delivers skills for success
Two graduates of training programmes funded by European money are now enjoying the success of their hard work as they move into full time employment and look to a bright and ambitious future.
By their own admission, Jamie and Jack were on a road to nowhere just a few years ago. They didn’t have a job, they were living in undesirable shared accommodation and their ambitions were limited. However, in 2013 all that was about to change. They both enrolled on a youth work course that was funded by the European Social Fund (ESF). ESF funding is about developing skills, supporting social cohesion and increasing employment opportunities.
The course, which was delivered by the Real Ideas Organisation proved to be a turning point in their lives. After completing that first course, Jamie and Jack went on to a number of other qualifications that would help them develop a range of skills and understand career opportunities they never would have considered previously.
Jack said, “Before I started the course I had to fill in an application form. The form asked, what is your dream job? I wrote, Pirate. Now I am a Junior Admin Assistant!”
Lindsey Hall, CEO of the Real Ideas Organisation said, “We’re often asked what the most rewarding aspect of what we do is. Without doubt, it is working with young people, helping them recognise their aptitudes and interests and from that, gain the skills and confidence to progress into good jobs and a stable lifestyle. As Jamie and Jack show, ESF funding has provided vitally important investment, giving us, as a business, two excellent employees and Cornwall, two productive young people.”
Julian German said; “As we knew would be the case, European investments continue to work positively for the residents of Cornwall. It is great to see the evidence of how these investments have helped businesses and residents. Cornwall Council will continue with our efforts to ensure that economic development investment monies continue to come to Cornwall.
Jamie and Jack are now in fulltime employment at the Real Ideas Organisation having made such a positive impression on the staff there. They now support young people who are in a similar position to where they were just a few years ago. They are sharing their experiences and seeing the benefits of their work as more young people move into employment and onto bright futures all thanks to that initial opportunity they were given.
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Notes to editor
Contact
Alex Ledbrooke
Engagement Officer, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly ITI Support Team (European Structural and Investment Funds)
Mobile – 07854 039960
Email – aledbrooke@cornwall.gov.uk
Website – www.cornwallislesofscillygrowthprogramme.org.uk
Twitter – @GrowthProgramme
Economic Development and Culture
Cornwall Council
Level 5, Zone A
Pydar House
Pydar Street
Truro
TR1 1XU
European Social Fund
The project has received funding from the European Social Fund as part of the 2007-2013 European Structural and Investment Funds Convergence Programme in England. The Department for Work and Pensions (and in London the intermediate body Greater London Authority) is the Managing Authority for the England European Social Fund programme. Established by the European Union, the European Social Fund helps local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support skills development, employment and job creation, social inclusion and local community regenerations.
Real Ideas Organisation
The Real Ideas Organisation is a social enterprise that works with individuals, organisations and sectors to harness the power of social enterprise to deliver real and lasting social change.
RIO draws on their own very real experience of developing award winning social enterprises to deliver strategic programmes, along with a range of social enterprise solutions – including consultancy, training and business support – to help others realise their ambitions through social enterprise.