Whatever It Takes project
Location: North East
ESF Funding: Skills Funding Agency
ESF Target Group: Young People NEET
Whatever It Takes (WIT) supports young people aged 14-19 in Northumberland who are not in education, employment or training (NEET) or are at risk of becoming NEET.
Co-funded through the Education Funding Agency in partnership with the Skills Funding Agency and European Social Fund, the programme is managed by igen Ltd, and delivered by Northumberland County Council, Skills4U North East Ltd, Buzz Learning Ltd, Learning Choices, Barnardos and Northern Learning Trust. The programme aims to increase the skills and qualification levels of young people and to support transition to a sustainable progression in learning or employment. The WIT project has an 84 per cent progression rate for its participants.
Joe was a young man at Blyth Community College who was first highlighted as in need of help due to his attendance, achievement and behaviour in school. Joe initially needed help with his English and both Joe and his tutor worked hard on his reading which began to improve. Joe preferred Maths to English so the subject was added to his programme to give him encouragement. Joe and his tutor then went on to look at his classroom behaviour as there had been a few previous issues. This was worked on by giving him strategies that he could use whilst in class. His teachers were pleased with his behaviour and with his new coping mechanisms, as was Joe himself.
Joe continued to work on his maths during his WIT sessions, doing so well that he was moved up a class and was able to take the higher paper in the exam. His positive attitude and confidence continued to improve, giving him the encouragement to apply for a place at Newcastle College studying Motor Vehicle Maintenance. Joe was successful in gaining a place on the course. Part of Joes’ training was that he would work at a garage based in Blyth for one day a week to give him the hands on skills and knowledge in mechanics that he needed, and here he was able to show that he could be a hard working and a reliable member of staff. Joe made such an impact on the company that they offered him employment as a trainee mechanic which he started in June 2012. Joe now works part time (8 hours a week) at the garage and he continues studying for an NVQ in Mechanics at Newcastle College.