We provide construction training and support to disadvantaged teenagers 14-19 years from Essex.
Our purpose is to better the life chances of the young people we work by supporting them to gain qualifications in construction, literacy, numeracy and health and safety. 16+ are Not in Education, Employment or Training and may suffer other disadvantages. 14-16 year olds may be excluded from school or not succeeding in mainstream school; others benefit from a vocational element to their education. Our aim is to get these young people ready for college/work and prevent them becoming NEET.
Why the community needs usWe benefit our community by working with the Youth Offending Service to engage young people in education and training with the aim of reducing offending, reoffending and anti-social behaviour. Getting young people out of NEET and preventing them becoming NEET has huge impacts on the life chances of the young people. Being 16-18 and NEET has major implications for offending and both mental and physical health consequences for young people.
Our impact on the communityWe have around 100 referrals a year. In 2016, some 30% of young people left us with some form of recognition of learning and 22% left us with a full City & Guilds qualification in construction skills. This year, 70% of our year 11 KS4 students are going to college or have a job to go to when they finish with us in June.
We are always on lookout for volunteers who have construction experience and would like to help out in the workshop.