European Funding Supports A Taste Of Higher Level Skills

A series of free Taster Sessions have been delivered by Truro and Penwith College as part of a European funded programme that offers participants support and training to change or enhance their career.  The Widening Participation through Skills project seeks to support the workforce in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly to grow to be the best they can and support the growth of the area.

https://vimeo.com/191536498%20

Throughout the week over 70 people took part in the Taster Sessions on offer, which ranged from an Introduction to Teaching to PR and Marketing.  These activities are an ideal way to start to develop your career, enhance your employment prospects or to get a taste of a new career. If you enjoy the subject, then there is then support available to look at course options, entry requirements and what jobs the qualifications could lead to. This European Social Fund project is particularly aimed at aspirational individuals who, without support, wouldn’t or couldn’t consider higher level courses and are missing out on fulfilling their potential.

Amongst the group that joined the Introduction to Teaching session was Chris. Chris said, “My employer has given me the opportunity to progress my career and become a trainer for staff where I work.  However, I need to get the suitable qualification first.  Today has been really good, I’ve got the confidence to do the course, become the trainer where I work and I’m also now interested in doing some teaching for adults we work with.”

Project Coordinator Charli Styles said, “We are thrilled with the success of our recent Tasters Week and it has been great to meet so many interesting and enthusiastic people, from a wide range of businesses and backgrounds. We will now be contacting all of the attendees individually to offer them advice and guidance about their next steps – and we will definitely be organising further Taster Sessions in the near future.”

Julian German Cornwall Council Cabinet member and portfolio holder for economy said, “These taster sessions prove there is a great appetite from Cornish residents to gain new skills. If you are interested in this but missed the sessions, don’t worry, just contact 01872 242711 or email charlis@truro-penwith.ac.uk”

This Growth Programme activity contributes to the Strategic Economic Plan for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly as it encourages young people to explore attractive career pathways and retain talent.  If you would like to know more about the Widening Participation through Skills courses on offer, go to www.truro-penwith.ac.uk/esf-higher-level-skills .

Notes to editor

Truro and Penwith College

Truro and Penwith College offer a variety of education choices at their campuses in Truro and Penzance. both offering a range of courses, providing industry-standard equipment and resources, all housed in modern, purpose-built facilities.  Truro College merged with Penwith in 2008 to form the college you see today.  For more information visit www.truro-penwith.ac.uk. 

European Social Fund

The project has received £1,500,000 of funding from the European Social Fund (ESF) as part of the 2014-2020 European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme in England. The Department for Work and Pensions is the Managing Authority for the England ESF programme. Established by the European Union ESF funds help local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support innovation, businesses, skills development, job creation, social inclusion and local community regenerations.  For more information visit https://www.gov.uk/european-growth-funding