East Midlands jobless get chance to go for gold
Out of work people in the East Midlands are being offered a chance to take part in an innovative training programme, inspired by the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, to improve their job prospects. After gaining new skills, graduates will also have a chance to apply to become one of the UK's 70,000 Games-time volunteers.
The region's Personal Best programme is offering to train up to 302 people in the East Midlands who are out of work or socially disadvantaged in order to raise their skills and improve their employability.
Funded by the region's European Social Fund programme and backed by a partnership including the LSC East Midlands, SkillsActive, Jobcentre Plus and the East Midlands Development Agency, the Personal Best programme was launched in November 2009.
Sebastian Coe, Chair of the London 2012 Organising Committee said: "When working towards a personal best, whether it be on the track or in the workplace, training is essential as it helps develop skills and strengths which will take you to the next level. For participants in the East Midlands' Personal Best programme, the legacy of the 2012 Games starts now as the scheme enables people to make positive changes in their lives."
The programme will primarily target adults who are out of work and have significant barriers to employment due to a lack of skills. They will be offered an opportunity to train for a Level 1 qualification in event volunteering and, after graduating from the scheme and following a successful application, will have a guaranteed interview with the London Organising Committee for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG), to act as a Games-time volunteer. Those completing the course will also have the opportunity to volunteer at local sporting, cultural and community events.
The region's Personal Best programme and complementary courses are being run by three regional training coordinators: Leicester College, South Nottingham College and YMCA Derbyshire.
For more information on Personal Best in the East Midlands, please contact Jeff Spencer - jeff.spencer@skillsactive.com or visit www.skillsactive.com/arounduk/eastmidlands/sport/personal-best-in-the-east-midlands
Training providers with contracts to deliver the programme are:
Leicester College | Claire Willis | 0116 2242 071 | cwillis@leicestercollege.ac.uk
YMCA Derbyshire | Steve Finch | 07703 109073 | Steve.finch@ymcaderbyshire.org.uk
South Nottinghamshire College | Neil Fowkes | 0115 846 1201 | neil.d.fowkes@snc.ac.uk
Image above: Pictured at the launch of Personal Best L-R Alan
Potts, JobCentre Plus,
Anne Rippon, Sport England, Jo Milham, South Notts College,
Lorna Goldring, LSC,
Jeff Spencer, Skills Active, Claire Willis, Leicester College
and Steve Finch, YMCA Derbyshire.