I will try something new this year… 05/01/12
Published: Welsh Government
People in Wales are being urged to start the New Year by trying a new skill which could help them take control of their lives and futures.
Whether you are struggling to get your first real job or feel you have hit a dead end in your current career, the www.yourfuturechoiceaction.org.uk website has all the information you need about how you can try learning something new.
Whether you’re looking for funding to deal with redundancy, going for promotion or changing careers, looking to improve your skills, or study at home, at work or at college this website has all the information you need to get started.
Deputy Minister for Skills, Jeff Cuthbert, said:
“The New Year can be the spur some people need to say I will try something new. So why not learn a new skill that could boost your confidence, career or lead to a totally new line of work and brighter future.
"In the current economic climate people of all ages face big challenges in the jobs market but, by equipping themselves with relevant skills, they will greatly improve their chances of forging the career they want.
“There is help and support available, both under Welsh Government funded learning programmes or other routes. Whatever their situation, I would urge people to explore all the options and grasp the opportunities. Building skills is vital for individuals’ own success and self esteem but also for the future prosperity of Wales.”
The www.yourfuturechoiceaction.org.uk website provides the backbone for a January campaign encouraging people to take up new learning or training. The campaign, run by the Welsh Government, is supported by NIACE Dysgu Cymru, who via their managed network of Learning Festival Groups, are offering a number of events up to the end of January which will allow people to try their hand at something new.
One person who has found a new life through learning is, Elliot Farmer, aged 18, from Cardiff. Elliot left school early and started working for a local takeaway. But feeling de-motivated, he decided “I will change my life”, and he contacted Careers Wales and was introduced to training provider, ACT. He was then linked up with Cardiff-based Ford dealership, Fordthorne.
Elliot, former learner of ACT, said:
“Working in a chippy just wasn’t my dream job and I wanted something better for my future. I wasn’t interested in school or college and this placement has turned my life around. I’m more motivated and I look forward to going to work each day. I’m also completing an NVQ in customer service which will help with my career development and the service I provide my customers.”
17 year-old, Megan Carpenter, left school with few GCSEs but had a passion to work with animals. Through the employer links of her training provider, she benefitted from an 18-month placement at Blackwood Dog Groomers.
Megan, former learner of ACT, said:
“I always knew I wanted to work with animals and this placement has given me hands on experience that I would have never gained in a classroom. When I started, I was too shy to speak to customers but thanks to the one-to-one mentoring and support from all the staff, I feel far more comfortable relating to customers and handling queries.”
Megan’s placement gave her valuable workplace skills and resulted in her obtaining a level 2 City & Guilds dog grooming qualification, helping her take steps to gain the career she so wanted.
A very informative course... it benefited me greatly.
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