JOB-SEEKING young people are to be given a helping hand into to work – thanks to the YMCA.
A pilot programme launched this week entitled CRAFT (Careers Related Advice and Further Training) is a joint initiative between North Down YMCA, the Department for Employment and Learning and the South Eastern Regional College (SERC).
Speaking at the launch at the YMCA in Bangor, Department of Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry said: “The focus of this joint pilot initiative is to ensure that young people in the North Down area who are currently unemployed are provided, at the earliest possible stage, with the skills to gain jobs, compete for jobs created in the future and retain and progress in those jobs.
“Unemployed young people who avail of this opportunity will work closely with Employment Service and Careers Service advisers to assess skills gaps and agree what actions would best address them.
“This initiative is a prime example of strong cooperation between the voluntary sector and government bringing real benefits to young people in today’s challenging economic climate.
“North Down YMCA deserves every commendation for their essential role in this worthy and valuable venture.”
The YMCA pilot aims to help young people in the North Down area who lack the employability skills and careers guidance to enter the world of work.
The CRAFT programme comprises of a 12-week structured programme of careers guidance clinics, employment adviser liaison and a series of personal development and training opportunities provided by SERC and North Down YMCA.
Stuart Buchanan, director of North Down YMCA, said: “We recognise that getting into employment, education or training is a key issue for many young people in North Down.
“The CRAFT programme will support young people, in an informal setting, to develop their confidence and skills and become more employable.”
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Picture 1 Caption (embedded) –
Employment and Learning Minister, Dr Stephen Farry, at the launch of an employability programme for young people in the North Down area.
From left is Sharon Ewing STEPs Team Leader, DEL Employment Service, Margaret Magennis Careers Service Manager, DEL Careers Service, Minister for Employment and Learning Dr Stephen Farry and Stuart Buchanan Director, North Down YMCA
JOB-SEEKING young people are to be given a helping hand into to work – thanks to the YMCA.
A pilot programme launched this week entitled CRAFT (Careers Related Advice and Further Training) is a joint initiative between North Down YMCA, the Department for Employment and Learning and the South Eastern Regional College (SERC).
Speaking at the launch at the YMCA in Bangor, Department of Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry said: “The focus of this joint pilot initiative is to ensure that young people in the North Down area who are currently unemployed are provided, at the earliest possible stage, with the skills to gain jobs, compete for jobs created in the future and retain and progress in those jobs.
“Unemployed young people who avail of this opportunity will work closely with Employment Service and Careers Service advisers to assess skills gaps and agree what actions would best address them.
“This initiative is a prime example of strong cooperation between the voluntary sector and government bringing real benefits to young people in today’s challenging economic climate.
“North Down YMCA deserves every commendation for their essential role in this worthy and valuable venture.
”The YMCA pilot aims to help young people in the North Down area who lack the employability skills and careers guidance to enter the world of work.
The CRAFT programme comprises of a 12-week structured programme of careers guidance clinics, employment adviser liaison and a series of personal development and training opportunities provided by SERC and North Down YMCA.
Stuart Buchanan, director of North Down YMCA, said: “We recognise that getting into employment, education or training is a key issue for many young people in North Down.
“The CRAFT programme will support young people, in an informal setting, to develop their confidence and skills and become more employable.”
