STUDENTS and staff from Hyndburn and Rossendale embarked on a ‘remarkable journey’ when they worked on a project to help young people with special needs into the world of work.
The six-week mentoring scheme involved a dozen 16 to 18-year olds from Broadfield Specialist School in Oswaldtwistle being supported by six staff from Rawtenstall Jobcentre Plus.
Staff ran workshops including help with creating a CV, making job applications, guidance on apprenticeships and job goals and taking part in mock interviews.
Heather Wearden, project leader and manager of Rawtenstall Jobcentre Plus, said: “It has been a remarkable journey for everyone involved. We wish the students well for their future working lives after education.”
Janet Starkie, Deputy Headteacher at Broadfield, said: “The project was the first of its kind in the area. The students learnt so much about themselves and their future goals thanks to mentors from the Department for Work and Pensions.
“We’d like to thank Heather, the mentors and workshop presenters. They engaged the students fully, developed their confidence and understanding of themselves and their place in the world of work.”
A graduation ceremony for the course, where the students were presented with certificates, gifts and a celebratory cake, was held at Blackburn Jobcentre Plus on Wednesday.
The project was supported by Jake Berry, MP for Rossendale and Darwen, The Prince’s Trust, North Lancashire Training Group and Vedas employment services.
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