Kirsty
I started the Youth Pathways to Employment scheme in the summer and throughout my 12 months training I gained the relevant experience and qualifications to enable me to gain full-time employment as an Administrative Assistant.
Among the the qualifications I gained were an NVQ Level 2 and Level 3 in Business Administration, ITQ (IT Users), a European Computer Driving Licence and a Word and Text Processing.
Working within Cumbria County Council has helped me gain confidence to work with a wide variety of people and to have the confidence to be able to try out new tasks to widen my experience.
Overall, I would certainly recommend the Youth Pathways to Employment scheme to anybody wanting to gain a career in Business Administration as they give you an insight into a working environment and it is a positive start to any young persons career.
Bridget
The Youth Pathways to Employment Scheme allowed me to earn whilst gaining work experience and a qualification. I also had the opportunity to attend courses and gain extra qualifications. I completed my NVQ level 2 in Business and Administration, ECDL, OCR Word and Text Processing. These have given me more confidence and experience working with computers; they have also improved my CV. The courses I have attended through the Pathways scheme have increased my knowledge of different work matters.
My placement is great; everyone is really friendly, and they have always made me feel welcome. I enjoy the work and have gained employment through my placement
Youth Pathways to Employment is a great scheme, which has been really beneficial to me - I would recommend it to anyone.
Susan
I am really enjoying working as part of the Regeneration Unit in Cumbria County Council whilst on the Youth Pathways to Employment Scheme. I have completed my NVQ Level 2 and I am now working towards Level 3 in Business and Administration. As well as gaining my European Computer Driving License qualification, I have attended many other useful training days throughout the year. These include courses such as First Aid, Customer Care and Interviewing Skills.
I think all of the experience gained from working within the council has given me more confidence in many aspects of my life and I have met so many new people along the way and made many new friends. I think Youth Pathways to Employment is a great scheme to enter young people into the real world for a positive start to their career.
Clair
Strategy & Performance, Cumbria County Council
On the Youth Pathways to Employment Programme I gained valuable office experience and many new skills which will assist me in becoming a successful Administrator.
I found the program very enjoyable and welcomed the one day courses which provided me with a wider understanding of a working environment, it also highlighted the ups and downs of working life. The programme has given me the opportunity to meet lots of different people within the organisation and a chance to make new friends.
This has affected my life in a positive way as I have become more confident in my ability to mix with other colleagues, and my years experience has resulted in me gaining a 3 month temporary contract with the Council.
Overall I would advise anyone considering the programme to give it a go as you have nothing to loose but everything to gain.
Alan
Education – Cumbria Sure Start
I found the Youth Pathway to Employment scheme very useful as it gave me a good understanding of the business environment. The training days were very helpful as they gave me new skills I didn’t have before. I completed my ECDL and RSA II courses early this year and have help increase my competence on a computer. I enjoyed my time completing my NVQ Business Administration course.
Michelle
Carlisle City Council - Planning Department
The Youth Pathways to Employment Programme was very beneficial to me. I gained qualifications that have helped me get a job because they are relevant to my chosen career. The programme was helpful because it gave me experience in a working environment while gaining qualifications.
Catherine
I have been a trainee in the Area Support Office for 12 months and I started the placement through the Youth Pathways to Employment programme.
During the year I have gained my NVQ Level 2 in Business Administration and successfully completed many other useful qualifications including the European Computer Driving Licence, Health and Safety, Emergency Aid and OCR Word and Text Processing.
I have thoroughly enjoyed my placement and I now have the confidence to mix with other colleagues. The programme also gave me the chance to make new friends.
The course has had a positive impact on my life and I now know what I want to do in the future. I have also had an insight to the working environment.
I would recommend the programme to anyone who is unsure of what they want to do in the future.