weston.ac.uk

1. N-gage 19 plus Tim Cowley – DWP Partnership Manager Liz Redwood – Head of Business Enterprise Centre www.weston.ac.uk

2. The concept • Challenging traditional employability skills training • Relationships • Engagement "This programme is delivering, through a dynamic partnership approach, a unique and original solution to the issues of youth unemployment in North Somerset“ Graham Clapp - DWP Employer and Partnership Operations Manager

3. The Model • Mentorship • Enterprise • Team building and team roles in employment • Volunteering in Community • Critical Review • Celebration and presentation

4. At the beginning of the course learners are set a question to answer at their final presentation. Along with their Level 1 qualification, this overarches the whole experience NGAGE 19+ 8 WEEK PROGRAMME Business Mentors come in and talk to the learners, offer support and guidance Team Enterprise: Learners set up their businesses donating all profits to local charities Learners volunteer in the local community at placements they have arranged START Learners referred through JCP and internally at the college END Learners present to an invited audience, answer the questions set by JCP referring to their experiences of the last 8 weeks Personal & Social Development: Learners work on confidence building and social issues Learners keep a blog of all their activities throughout the 8 week programme

5. Examples of Community and Volunteering projects • Digging a pond for local Primary School • Landscaped pathways at a wildlife rescue centre • Tree planted for Woodland Trust • Worked on a number of activities for Weston Hospice Care • Landscaped for local sea cadets • Worked on community allotment • Fundraising activities for a number of local charities

6. Examples of Enterprise projects • Car washing • BBQ • Jam making • Furniture Recycling • Producing veg boxes • A recent group raised over £800 for a local charity as a result of their enterprise project

7. Outcomes • Over 70 young people have attended the course • High levels of retention • Achievement at 100% • 65% of young people into employment, apprenticeships or further training • Pilot of 50 plus Ngage course currently running

8. Quotes and testimonials • Mentor and local employer Lisa Smith said “I was approached by the College and it’s the first time I have done anything like this. “I know how difficult it is for people to get a job without experience first. I’ve loved being a mentor and would be very happy to do this again. • Parent Sheila Birch said “It’s been difficult to see my daughter unemployed for so long. She became so despondent when all she could get was seasonal work. “This course has helped her get her life back.” Charlotte went on to work in local restaurant as front of house staff. • Student Joshua Pearson said “Biggest thing I have learnt that being rejected from jobs can be frustrating but also can be positive as it gets you reflect and change”. Joshua is now on a management programme with McDonalds • Karen Rockach DWP Advisor Manager Weston Jobcentre said ‘I have seen a marked difference in attitude when claimants complete the Ngage course, they are more positive and their self-confidence is greatly improved. For those who have not found work as a direct result of Ngage it is much easier to plan their next steps and their motivation is much higher’

9. Contact details Tim Cowley 01225 303230 Tim.cowley@dwp.gsi.gov.uk Liz Redwood 01934 411594 Liz.redwood@weston.ac.uk