Realskillz Project

Realskillz Project

The project was run collaboratively between the Youth Engagement and Participation Service (YEPS) 16+ Support Team, Communities for Work Plus, ARC Training, Martin Roberts and the team from Homes Under the Hammer. Martin Roberts has invested half a million pounds of his own money into this venture, as he has fallen head over heels in love with Wales. Martin is on a mission to help a local community in the Welsh valleys to bring a unique and important part of its heritage back to life, including re-opening the local pub. This is a fantastic, once in a lifetime opportunity for the young people to be part of a pilot scheme in RCT.

The 16+ Support Team feel that all young people should be given the opportunity to fulfil their potential regardless of their academic ability by providing them with the opportunity to participate in a hands-on project.

The project was run over a two-week period, week one was based off site in the Hendrewen Hotel, Blaencwm which was a skill based week, allowing the young people the opportunity to gain valuable skills and knowledge in the construction industry. The second week was classroom based for five days in Cwmdare Welfare Centre.

All participants gained multiple qualifications including a 5 Year Green CSCS Card

The proposed outcomes and benefits to the young people and the community are that the young people gained formal qualifications that they would not have had if they had not participated in this project working alongside qualified project managers and skilled trades people. They also became part of a tight knit team and worked well together. All participants, since completing the project, have been given referral forms for an apprenticeship scheme with Communities to Work Plus as a possible exit route from the project, if they wish to pursue this.

All participants have been provided with a personal portfolio, evidencing aspects of their work during the project. The portfolio will also give them a space to showcase their certificates and achievements during the project.