European Social Fund in England

Case studies: Ilderton Motor Project

The Ilderton Motor Project in south London works with socially-excluded teenagers who have been in trouble in the past or are at risk of offending. It helps them to use their time constructively and prepare for a job by learning mechanical skills.

Through the project, 250 young people from Lambeth, Southwark and Westminster are gaining:

• skills for life such as literacy and numeracy;
• motivational and life skills such as problem-solving and teamwork;
• accredited City and Guilds qualifications in motor mechanics.

The project has helped 128 teenagers back into full time education and 84 have achieved a qualification while on the project. About half the participants are from ethnic minority groups.

The Ilderton Motor Project was awarded ESF funding of £388,000 by the Learning and Council from 2005 to 2007.