LLETS Newsletter issue 3 june 2013

Issue 3: June 2013 Lifelong Learning & Employment Training Service

Newsletter

LLETS

has been extremely busy over the last few months and we are now pleased to announce the release of our third publication of the ‘LLETS Newsletter.’

Within this publication we have reported on numerous events and activities attended and organised by LLETS, and we hope you enjoy reading and learning about the good work which is conducted throughout the service!

Table of Contents

Rampart Rebels Go to London!

Rampart Rebels off to London! …………………… .1 The Filter, Youth Tobacco Training Programme comes to LLETS!.......................2 Success is in the Bag!................3 Brand new LLETS Café!...........4 Kurtis enters National Alternative Hair Show!.......... ..4 A Day in the Life of A LLETS Learner…………...…..5 LLETS Get Online!..................9 LLETS Collaborate and Build A Better Workforce…….10 LLETS Wow!............................10 Lifelong Learning Students use their photography skills at the LLETS Hair Show...........11 Bryn House Visit………………12 LLETS Welcomes the Princes Trust ‘Get in to Retail’ Programme!....................13 Forthcoming Events at LLETS!...................................14

A GROUP of Swansea teenagers who hit the streets to warn people of the risks of loan sharks are off to London after scooping a top prize in a national competition.

The teenagers created a mascot they called Sean the Shark and took it to communities across the city to warn of the risks of turning to predatory loan sharks in these tough times.

And now their imaginative and topical idea has scooped them the People’s Prize award in this year’s Wales Money for Life Challenge. It also means they have earned a place in the UK finals on May 23rd in London.

Mitch Theaker, Swansea Council's Cabinet Member for Opportunities for Children and Young People, said: "This is fantastic news for the youngsters and well-deserved.

“I joined one of the road shows and the team did a great job of warning people about these predators in our communities in a fun way.

“I was impressed by the passion they showed in turning the spotlight on crooked loan sharks who prey on vulnerable families. Our advice is that there is always an alternative to these dodgy and dishonest people.”

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(Continued from page 1) The award-winners were learners on a Traineeship Programme with Swansea Council’s Lifelong Learning and Employment Training Service (LLETS).

Traineeship Programmes are part-funded by the ESF through the Welsh Government and aim to help young people aged 16-17, who are unemployed and not in formal training or education.

The teenagers called themselves the ‘Rampart Rebels’ and had funding from the Lloyds TSB Money for Life Challenge for money management education.

The trainees carried out research into money problems faced by people in Swansea and found loan shark activity had a dramatic impact on the lives of their targets who are often in a vulnerable position such as young single mothers.

Tara Lewis, from the Rampart Rebels, said: “We hope our campaign made the public aware of illegal money lending around the area where we live and where people can go if they have problems or enquiries.

“Since starting this project, we have become more confident and are able to speak out to people from all backgrounds and have gained skills in organisation and preparation.”

Will Evans, Cabinet member for Education and Learning, said: “What an excellent achievement. My congratulations to all concerned not just for their award but for their whole approach.

“In the future inductions at LLETS will have information included about the dangers of illegal money lending known as Loan Sharking.”

Tackling poverty and the blight that high interest or illegal lending can cast on people already in a financially vulnerable position is one of Swansea Council's main priorities.

Before taking out any potentially high interest loans, people should speak to the Credit Union, who provide much more reasonable loans, as well as other banking services.

If you are a loan shark victim you can get help by calling the Wales Illegal Money Lending Unit's 24 hour Hotline on 0300 123 331.

For help on tackling debt problems go to www.debtpanicswansea.org.uk

The Filter, Youth Tobacco Training Programme ComesTo LLETS! On Wednesday the 27th March, The Filter Training and Education Project visited Jubilee Court. The aim of the visit was to provide an interactive one day training course for LLETS staff and learners and to help inform participants of the dangers of smoking and to discuss effective ways of overcoming smoking amongst young people.

It is a widely known fact that smoking and tobacco use are major contributors to poor health in Wales. In recent years, the Welsh Government has recognised that tobacco use contrib-

utes to one of the greatest health inequalities in the country.

The reduction and prevention of smoking amongst young people has now become one of the key priorities of the Welsh Assembly.

The Filter, Youth Tobacco Training Programme and its website; The Filter Wales.ORG offers advice to young people on tobacco and smoking via phone, text and online instant messaging. It also offers individuals the opportunity to become volunteers and peer health promoters in their local area.

dynamic and engaging activities that will provide individuals with practical skills for tackling the subject of smoking’ ‘We also highlight why young people start to smoke, and what issues may prevent them from stopping smoking. Our day at LLETS was a very enjoyable and successful day!’

The day long course at Jubilee Court was delivered by The Filter Wales Training and Education LLETS Life Skills Co-ordinator Officers Martha-Jane Powell and James Bevan added that, ‘As a Rebecca Gilbert. non-smoker, I found the Filter Wales session highly beneficial.

Martha-Jane commented, ‘The The addictive side to nicotine was Filter Wales Training provides explained, as well as all facts rekey facts and knowledge about garding the 4000 plus chemicals smoking prevention and tobacco that are found in a typical cigacontrol. We do this by providing rette’.

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Success is in the bag!

Lynne Hardwicke at Graigfelen Community Centre After an accident 24 years ago left Lynne’s husband unable to work they moved to Graigfelen in Swansea to be near her daughter who was pregnant at the time.

Lynne gave up work and without realizing it, her independence. She and her husband did everything together until his death on Easter Sunday 8th April 2012. Lynne quickly realized that without her husband she was very isolated from her community. She had few friends, no work colleagues and a grown up family living in different parts of the UK - including her now grown up Grandson who is in the RAF. Through Val, her neighbour from the LILL group (Leisure In Later Life), Lynne was encouraged to join the classes set up in partnership between the Graigfelen Community First team and the Lifelong Learning and Employment Training Service (LLETS).

These classes in Floral Art and Needlecraft have transformed her life. Lynne said that ‘attending classes gives me a purpose to get up in the morning and gives me something to look forward to. I have enjoyed making new friends and am so sorry that the floral art class has finished’. In response to this feedback Lifelong Learning is planning to put on Floral Art as part of the LLETS main programme from September 13.

Lynne’s skills, which have been re-ignited by attending these classes, have been put to excellent use. She is now making a variety of bags (as taught in the LLETS classes) for sale to family, and friends as well as at the Tŷ Olwen Hospice.

All profits are given to Tŷ Olwen, which is a purpose built specialist Palliative Care Unit that forms part of the Abertawe Bro Morganwg University Health Board Cancer Directorate. The unit offers a tranquil setting for the care of patients and their families.

Lynne is a very quiet lady, who is thrilled to be using her skills to support a Trust which supported her and her husband at such a difficult time. Lynne’s success and achievements sum up all that is beneficial about lifelong learning.

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Brand new LLETS Café!

March 2013 has proved to have been yet another busy and exciting month in the LLETS calendar of events. It is also the month that has seen the much anticipated opening of the brand new LLETS Café at Jubilee Court!

the art coffee making machine.

Adjourning the walls of the new café are a number of framed prints by Lifelong Learning Digital photography students. The three prints, which feature some of Swansea’s famous and interesting landmarks, were chosen by LLETS staff in a closely fought competition that was held last January.

Since July 2012, renovation work has been carried out at the much loved site of gastronomic delights.

The brand new LLETS Café has now benefitted from a complete make over with features including; new tables and seating, a full range of stainless steel kitchen equipment, a new counter, and a new state of

Next on the list for the brand new LLETS Café is a brand new name! Another competition is already on the way to find a suitable name that reflects LLETS as a service, or possibly a Swansea destination. The winning name will receive a £10 voucher to spend in the brand new LLETS Café.

Kurtis Enters National Alternative Hair Show!

In our first LLETS Newsletter, we reported on the fantastic achievements of LLETS Hairdressing learner Kurtis Bisset. Kurtis was crowned the overall winner at last year’s ninth annual City & County of Swansea LLETS Hair Show. He also managed to win the Avant Garde and Recycling and Environment categories.

Now Kurtis has decided to further his ambitions by entering the International Alternative Hair Show which will be held later this year at the prestigious Royal Albert Hall.

Kurtis will be competing in the ‘Visionary Award’ section. The purpose of the competition is to give individuals who are new to the hair styling profession a chance to make their name in the increasingly competitive industry.

In June, Kurtis will compete in the first round of the competition by sending off profile shots of his best designs. If his ideas are chosen, then he will join the best that the world has to offer at the finals in London.

The winners of this year’s event will be given the chance to showcase their work at the main event in 2014.

Says Kurtis, ‘This is a huge opportunity for me, and it doesn’t get any bigger than this event. All the biggest names in the industry will be there. Vidal Sassoon was the patron for the show. At last year’s event, they had a massive celebration and tribute for his lifetime’s work.’

‘I attended the International Alternative Hair Show in 2012 with my colleagues from D & G Hair Salon where I work. After competing in the City & County of Swansea LLETS Hair Show, I thought well why not go for this competition!’

‘The City & County of Swansea LLETS Hair Show definitely gave me the confidence and a taste for further competition work. It provided me with a vision of what I wanted to do in the future, which is competitions on a large scale!’

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……..Of a LLETS Learner!

In the last LLETS Newsletter, we had a section on the day in the life of an ELO. In this issue we’ve decided to cover a day in the life of a LLETS Learner! Hundreds of potential learners contact LLETS each year, with the hope of starting a vocational journey that will provide them with a future career. Their journey begins at Rampart House, where they will spend four weeks learning essential ‘Life Skills’ before they are found an appropriate work placement. We decided to shadow level one trainee Shaun Canavan for the day, in order to get a real insight into a day in the life of a LLETS Learner!

It’s 8:30, and Shaun arrives at Rampart House. He signs in along with the other trainees and heads upstairs where he will undertake a sexual health class for the next two hours.

Shaun signs in!

During the session, the group and their tutor James Bevan discuss topics relating to sexual health including; contraception, responsibilities within relationships, and human interaction.

Sexual Health Awareness Class

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……..Of a LLETS Learner!

The group then get the opportunity to describe their ‘perfect partners’. They are also given an insight into the meanings of words such as contraception, and given a quiz on the subject.

Shaun later describes the session as a, ‘good way of finding out where other individuals around my age are at in their lives.’.

Shaun and the group discuss their answers for the ‘Contraception Quiz’!

After the class, James guides Shaun through a one to one job search session. Shaun is eventually hoping to become a carpenter, so it is important that he is made aware of the local labour market and what kind of construction work is available.

At Rampart House, Trainees are also expected to participate in other essential courses such as; Interview Techniques, ‘Goals’ Training and Employment Rights and Responsibilities.

The one to one job search session.

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……..Of a LLETS Learner!

James says that, ‘Shaun has been very co-operative at Rampart. He is always willing to take part with group discussions and activities!’.

After a quick lunch break, Shaun joins the other learners for a ‘Fire-fighting Experience’ at Morriston Fire Station.

On arrival, the group attend an introduction class, where they learn about the rules and regulations of fire safety awareness and health and safety assessments.

Next, Shaun and the rest of the learners take part in an outdoor activity session. This gives them the opportunity to participate in many of the activities carried out by fire fighters on a daily basis including; pump & hose drills, squad drills & marching, road traffic collision, casualty handling and ladder drill training.

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……..Of a LLETS Learner!

LLETS Job Search Tutor Ian Reynolds said of the event, ‘the fire fighting training afternoon turned out to be a great team building exercise for the learners. It also provided inspiration to some of the individuals who are unsure of what vocational routes they want to take in the future.’

After the activities, Shaun and the group head back to Rampart House to sign out after an action packed day.

Says Shaun, ‘The fire fighting afternoon was great. It was something different and it gave everyone a real insight into the life of a fire fighter!. I also like the ‘open’ and ‘adult’ approach at Rampart House. The tutors are very accommodating and my ELO Vicky Hassan has been really supportive!’

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LLETS Get Online!

On the 24th of April 2013 the ‘Online for Beginners’ Day took place at the Richard Ley Development Centre in Llansamlet –This joint event is the third and most successful collaboration between LLETS and the DVLA along with City & County of Swansea’s Library and Archive Services. The aim is to provide local people with a taster of how to use the Internet and e-mail so that they can access National and Local Government Services online.

LLETS provides teaching expertise and a prize of a 10 week IT course to an attendee from each session.

Also on hand to assist were 4 students from Ysgol Maesydderwen who had heard about the event and asked to become involved. Joe Taffurelli who in his role as deputy head and Welsh Baccalaureate co-ordinator for the school stated, ‘the students involved would benefit greatly from the event as it provides a wonderful opportunity for them to work with the wider community in improving their knowledge and confidence when using ICT. The experience will also provide the pupils with the chance to work with a different generation whilst also helping them to achieve their Welsh Baccalaureate Qualification’ With over 50 people attending, the popularity of these events continues to grow. Feedback was 100% positive and a frequently asked question was ‘when is the next one?

LLETS are hoping that the focus of the next event will be help address the challenges of accessing benefits online.

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LLETS Collaborate and Build A Better Workforce!

Businesses across Swansea were recently given a helping hand by Swansea Council to help boost job prospects for young people across the city.

Swansea’s Council’s Lifelong Learning and Employment Training Service (LLETS) held an employer event at the Village Hotel in conjunction with Apprenticeship Week 2013.

Employers joined expert council staff for a breakfast meeting which included representatives from Balfour Beatty and Virgin Media. The Welsh Government’s Apprenticeship programme was explained in detail, including business benefits, financial support, the recruitment of apprentices and the different levels of apprenticeships available. Mike Hughes, LLETS Service Manager, said, “We have been producing high-quality apprentices and excellent training in numerous fields for more than 30 years. Last year alone 2000 (Left to Right) Councillor Mitch Theaker and LLETS NVQ Business individuals received help from our service. and Management Tutor Anna Matthews, with Shane Edwards and Dex Fitzgerald from Virgin Media

“But we cannot do this without the support of businesses in a range of fields and we hope to see more benefitting from what apprentices can bring to their company.”

For information on apprenticeships please contact LLETS on 01792 482680 or visit www.employmenttraining.co.uk.

LLETS Wow! Trainee and apprentice stylists really let their hair down at the Swansea Council Lifelong Learning and Employment Training Service (LLETS) annual Hair Show.

It was an amazing night at the Liberty Stadium when the LLETS trainees and apprentices show cased their fabulous designs and competed in a number of categories which impressed not only members of the public but also the judges.

Judge Lara Johnson, from Lara Johnson Lifestyle, said: “The calibre of entries was just amazing. It was incredible to see such a high level of talent around Swansea. I can honestly say it was a truly inspirational evening!”

The overall show winner was Sophie Rowles from Mayhem. (photo) Paul Targett, LLETS Operation’s Manager, said: “The standard of entry yet again was extremely high with the learners working very hard to produce some excellent hairstyles. Everyone involved with the show worked extremely hard to ensure the show ran like clockwork.”

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Lifelong Learning Students use their photography skills at the LLETS Hair show

Two Lifelong Learning photography students have increased their profile after taking photographs of the annual LLETS Hair show.

Sian Sullivan and Becky Dix both used their exceptional skills in order to produce some vivid and exciting photographs at the event which was held at the Liberty Stadium.

Both Sian and Becky have already achieved great success with their work, after their ‘Scenes of Swansea’ photographs were featured in the South Wales Evening Post, the Western Mail, and a five page spread in the January/February issue of the Welsh Country Magazine.

Says Sian, ‘I work in a Doctors surgery, and in my spare time I like to indulge in my hobby of photography. Recently I have been trying to improve my skills and take it to the next level. I have attended Lifelong learning courses for the past 3 years under the expert tutorage of Andrew Veckman. Our class is a very friendly class and we learn a lot from each other. I mainly take landscapes but am keen to experience all aspects of photography and am also doing an online course. I have recently set up my own website!’ http://www.sullipicsphotography.com/ Becky also added, ‘Sian and I were recently asked to be Photographers at the LLETS Annual Hair show at the Liberty Stadium. All of the students had worked so hard and some of the hairstyles were very creative, so all made great photographs. It was a fab experience for us as students ourselves and a great event! Would love the chance to do it again!

‘I always liked the idea of doing Photography but thought it would be an expensive hobby as I had been busy being a mother and working part time. But as my daughter had now grown up, a school friend who had children of a similar age said she would love to try a class also. We did 2 LLETS courses which we enjoyed and learnt a lot!’

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Bryn House Trip The Essential Skills iPad course at Bryn House is going along very well with all students getting to grips with the devices and becoming more and more confident in the use of the iPads as well as their own phones and tablets.

This week we ventured outside with the mobile technology which was a great success! We met at the Dylan Thomas statue and spent the morning videoing and photographing the Marina. Interestingly, all students, coming originally from Swansea and regularly passing through the area, had each found objects, statues, buildings or landmarks they had not seen before!

All enjoyed and returned to class full of enthusiasm to find old pictures of the area and the buildings we had seen. We were able to find photographs which directly corresponded with the ones we had taken. We will be producing an iMovie over the next few weeks on the iPads of the visit and the changes to the Swansea Dock area and especially the change of use of many of the buildings from their original purpose.

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LLETS Welcomes the Princes Trust ‘Get into retail’ Programme!

A group of 16-24 year olds recently attended the Princes Trust ‘Get into retail’ Programme at LLETS. The programme consisted of a week long ‘Introduction to Retail and Customer Service’ course that was delivered by staff from LLETS and a second week out on work placement.

The group of young adults who are considered unemployed but near to employment, took part in a number of class based activities such as, an accredited level 1 Health and Safety session, Basic Welsh in Retail, Building on Communication Skills for Work, and Appropriate Customer Service Techniques.

After the first week of training, each attendee went to a work placement (Monday to Thursday).

On the Friday of the second week there was a presentation for the group at LLETS to recognise and celebrate the achievements that been made over the two week programme.

Programme Executive Stacey Harris said, ‘The 100% positive feedback I received was great for the excellent course delivery from LLETS staff. They made it interesting and kept participants engaged and I think LLETS really understood what The Princess Trust are trying to do’.

Following the presentation, a number of the participants were full of praise for the course and their experience at LLETS, Yi Hu commented, ‘I think this course is educational, helpful and fun. I really enjoyed everyone’s company!’. Bernard Easling also said that it was, ‘A worth while and enriching experience!’.

LLETS Operational Manager Paul Targett commented, ‘The Princes Trust ‘Get into retail’ Programme was a huge success, with all participants really enjoying the training at LLETS and then at their respective work placements. The end of course celebration gave examples of this where all involved gave a short presentation on their experiences. Some also were offered jobs which was a huge achievement. All the staff worked well together to make the experience worthwhile!’.

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Forthcoming Events!

VQ Day— 5th June 2013 Lifelong Learning and Employment Training Service (LLETS) has teamed up with Gower College to hold an event on the 5th June to promote VQ Day. VQ Day is a National celebration of vocational qualifications for students, teachers, employees and employers.

It shines a light on and recognises the millions of talented and skilled people throughout the UK who are awarded VQs. The event will take place in Swansea City Centre (Oxford Street – outside M&S) on Wednesday, June 5, 2013, between 11am and 2pm. Come and have a go at hairdressing, catering, horticulture, painting & decorating and childcare!!

LLETS is part of our Education service. For more information on programmes offered by LLETS call 01792 482680 or visit www.employmenttraining.co.uk

http://www.ntfw.org/apprenticeships-awards/awards-categories/ There are so many different categories to choose from for this year’s Apprenticeship Awards Cymru 2013. Not only are there Apprenticeship learner categories but, also Employer and Traineeship learner Awards.

Please visit the above link for further information and to download application forms.

The closing date for the submission of application forms is the 28/6/13.

Hi - 5 Awards It’s time to start nominating for this year’s City & County of Swansea High 5 Awards!

These awards recognise and celebrate the achievements of children & young people in Swansea. There are two age groups in the awards – those aged up to 13 and 14 to 19-year-olds.

Each individual winner will receive a £50 cash prize (groups will receive £100), a personal activity/opportunity and other prizes. They will also be invited to the celebration awards evening along with their nominator and two guests.

Have a look at www.swansea.gov.uk/high5awards for the latest news on the High 5 Awards and to download nomination forms. You can also find the High 5 Awards on Facebook.

Last year LLETS had 2 winners from the young person’s category!

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