MEP Andrew Duff visits ESF projects
The Liberal Democrat MEP for the East of England, Andrew Duff, took off his jacket and picked up a hacksaw in a skills session aimed at getting unemployed youngsters back into work or full-time education.
He chatted to participants on the ESF-funded Move4ward Summer Skills course for unemployed 16 to 18 year-olds as they worked on a project to research, design and make a clock.
"Cambridge Regional College (CRC) is doing fantastic work to help youngsters into work. I am proud that ESF is being put to such good use," he said.
The six-week Summer Skills programme is designed to improve employability prospects, strengthen Maths and English levels and explore further education possibilities. Students research, design and make a sellable product as part of the course.
Cathy Bayford, who heads CRC’s ESF-funded Move4Ward and Kickstart programmes, said the MEP had been very supportive of the work carried out at the college.
Over the last two years, 170 learners have taken part in the programmes at CRC, with more than 90 per cent moving on to employment, apprenticeships or full time courses – one of the highest progression rates in the country.
CRC runs four Move4ward programmes a year for 16 -20 year-olds and has run five Kickstart courses over the past 12 months aimed at 15-16 year olds, with plans for more in the future. Both programmes are funded by the Youth East Project under the European Social Fund for young people NEET – those who are not in education, employment or training.