Skills Workshop For Ex Offenders A Great Success
Many ex offenders face particular problems in the job market including a low level of skills, the ability to concentrate and lack of confidence.Our project was to support those who were ready for work to take the first steps by acquiring a few practical skills.
Surrey Lifelong Learning Partnership in partnership with Brooklands College approached theSurrey and Sussex Probation Service with an outline of a course thought suitable for this particular group.After discussions with NACRO’s local case worker, the final design was submitted to the BAA Community’s fund and awarded funding. Two courses were set up for February and May 2011
The project was a short ' taster' tiling course at the Ashford Campus of Brooklands College.The course was practical and short (two days) providing learners with a skill that attracted higher rates of pay than decorating alone. Lunch was included, an IAG (Information, Advice and Guidance) practitioner attended and a progression route was built in. Mentoring was provided by the probation service before and after training.A voucher towards the cost of on-site equipment was rewarded at the end of the course. The NACRO case worker commented:The tutor instilled confidence in them and their ability to succeed which has enabled some of them to achieve their goals. These short courses seem to be more successful with those who have chaotic lifestyles and struggle to commit to long term arrangements. They responded well to the ability to gain a qualification in a short time which has given them the practical skills they require.
NACRO in Staines and the Probation Services provided the learners and Brooklands College a seasoned tutor with a friendly but professional approach that was liked by the learners. Seven people were recruited for the first course and met by project leader Elizabeth Whiddett from (SLLP) and Dave Barlow from the Ashford Campus.During lunch most completed a Basic Skills assessment but did not need further support; the ones not participating may have required support and were later offered help, but it was declined. Six people completed the second course - more were expected but an incident the day before meant several were not available.Caroline Nicholls, the funder from BAA attended the last day and spoke to the learners.The feedback was excellent.
Individual stories (real names/initials have not been used)
Mr. A completed a second course and gained accreditation, he is now in work.
Mr. B completed second course and gained accreditation, he has started his own tiling business.
Mr C completed second course, gained accreditation and then attended some interview training – he is now in work.
Mr D decided he wanted a driving job,
Mr E/F/Gare still unemployed
Mr H completedL2 Health and Safety at Work following the course
Mr I completedL2 Health and Safety at Work and is now working
Mr J completedL2 Health and Safety at Work qualification
A second course followed in May attended by six people. The individual stories and evaluations have been uplifting and we hope to repeat the course.
EW/1 Sep 2011
Volunteers needed for Surrey Libraries Children's Book Festival
Surrey libraries' 2011 children's book festival will be running from Saturday 19th February to Saturday 12th March 2011, and will be based in libraries and other venues in Epsom and Ewell, Mole Valley, Reigate and Banstead and Tandridge.
Events booked include manga workshops, pop-up books workshops, a theatre company, a Comics jam, Horrible Science drawing workshops, author talks, and special appearances.
The Library Service is looking to recruit 35 volunteers to help with a number of the Festival events. You will be supporting library staff to help ensure that events run smoothly and everyone has an enjoyable experience. Roles include stewarding, collecting tickets and wearing character costumes.
If you would like to find out more about volunteering to help with the book festival please contact Chris Duke via Enquiries Direct by phone on 01483 543599 or by email at libraries@surreycc.gov.uk. See also the Book Festival web page at www.surreycc.gov.uk/childrensbookfestival for further details.
Coming Soon... BBC First Click Campaign [October 2010]
BBC First Click is a two-year BBC Learning campaign to encourage people who currently don’t use the internet, to understand and enjoy its benefits. The BBC is working with a range of partners including Libraries, UK Online and Age UK.
The campaign is part of the BBC’s remit to help to deliver the benefit of emerging communications technologies and to promote media literacy. First Click builds on previous initiatives such as BBC WebWise.
Starting in mid-October the first stage of the campaign will lead up to 'Get Online Week' 18-24th October with adverts that promote the message that using the internet is easier than you think and that you’re not alone - there are lots of other people like you.
There will be a freephone helpline on 08000 950 150. Anyone calling the phone line (open 8am-10pm 7 days a week) will get help from an adviser who will explore the sort of learning experience the caller is looking for; do a postcode search and signpost the caller to the most appropriate activity or event i.e. BBC Beginners Course, UK Online Centre or Library event.
First Click is offering free resources for partners to run introductory computer and internet sessions aimed at people aged 55 yrs and over. The resources have been developed in consultation with Digital Unite, who run Silver Surfers Week, and are based on audience research which shows that this audience wants to be taken step by step through the basics. The campaign is supported by a revised and updated BBC WebWise site.
For more information about the campaign please send your enquiries to firstclick@bbc.co.uk
Next Step Service Launches in Surrey [August 2010]
Next Step is holding a launch event for the new adult careers at which you can meet those delivering the service and find out how you can support its work in Surrey. The event will tell partners about the new service which will provide free careers advice across England. If you wish to attend the launch event which is taking place on 8th September in Guildford please contact Julie Davies at julie.davies@babcock.co.uk or call 01908 232 808 for more details or download the event flyer.
Surrey Libraries Launch New eBook Service - [July 2010]
Oscar Wilde's famous quote "I never travel without my diary, one should always have something sensational to read on the train" is more appropriate than ever this week as commuters get the chance to access hundreds of books online.
Whether curled up on the sofa with an iPad or on the way to work with a Kindle, Surrey libraries exciting new service could revolutionise the way we read by offering free around the clock availability to hundreds of books at your fingertips.
Surrey County Council's new eBooks service, launched on 5 July, offers more than 300 eBooks and around 100 eAudiobooks ranging from classics by Shakespeare and Dickens to thrillers by Ian Rankin and Patricia Cornwell.
To join your local library and start borrowing eBooks online, visit www.surreycc.gov.uk/elibrary
Nescot launch Teacher Training Academy - [June 2010]
Nescot have recently launched a Teacher Training Academy delivering a range of courses including those to staff in the post 16 lifelong learning sector. The offer includes the PTLLS course which can be delivered on a part time and intensive basis as well as a new PTLLS-Plus course which includes an additional session on skills for life or functional skills. The Teacher Training Academy has a number of delivery models for PTLLS to suit most needs - from a short intensive programme to a 10 week course of one session week, including the option for twilight or evenings.
Nescot has also just released a new Adult Part-Time course listing for courses planned to start from September 2010 - with a special offer for early booking. Download a sneak preview below, or visit the Nescot Summer Fayre at the College on Saturday 26th June (11am-2pm) to pick up your copy of the full prospectus.
Download a PTLLS leaflet here: Nescot PTLLS Leaflet
