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Volunteering leads to a better future for Liam

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Liam Hughes from Derbyshire is laying the foundations to a better future, thanks to a project funded by the European Social Fund.

A Derbyshire teenager who had hardly any job prospects is hoping to cement a career in construction after attending an ESF project to build back his confidence and skills.

The project Step Up - run by the Shaw Trust and managed by the LSC - has built Liam Hughes' confidence so much he now volunteers once a week at a construction project, run by Groundwork in Clowne, which is helping him learn new skills and giving him the opportunity to mentor school children who take part in the building project.

Liam, 17, has attended the Shaw Trust project, which aims to improve job prospects for 16-19 year olds by finding work placements, since September. He earned himself a skills licence, which means he is now trained in first aid and fire marshalling and meant he could take on this volunteering role. He also recently started a bricklaying course at Chesterfield College for three days a week, so can still continue his voluntary work. Liam said, "When I left school I had nothing to do and no goal, so attending the Shaw Trust and Groundwork training has given me a purpose, something to look forward to. The work I do now is voluntary, but I don’t mind that I don’t get paid because I'm always busy, I'm learning new skills and helping other young people too."

Beverly Wyld, a Development Officer at Shaw Trust said, "We have witnessed a real change in Liam since he joined the project. He has a new found confidence and is an extremely pleasant and charming young man. He really wants to work and hopes this volunteering role will give him a head start and lead to an Apprenticeship.

"He has exceptional skills with young people. They really look up to him. He's shown real talent and has a 100 per cent attendance at the project - a real turn around as he hardly used to attend school, which shows how committed he is."

This story is one of many in the monthly ESF newsletter. To see a copy of the latest issue, please click here

If you have any ideas for articles, please contact Jo Sheppard at COI News and PR on 0115 971 2781.

Liam Hughes