European Social Fund in England
2007 - 2013
West Midlands jobless get chance to go for gold as Olympic volunteers
Out of work people in the West Midlands are being offered a chance to take part in an innovative European Social Fund (ESF) training programme, inspired by the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, to improve their job prospects. After gaining new skills, participants will also have a chance to apply to become one of the UK's 70,000 Games-time Volunteers.
Teresa Addinell regional skills development director at LSC West Midlands and David Moorcroft OBE
Backed by the 2012 Inspire initiative, the region's Personal Best programme is offering to train up to 400 people in the West Midlands who are out of work or socially disadvantaged in order to raise their skills and improve their employability.
Funded by ESF and backed by a partnership including the Learning and Skills Council (LSC), SkillsActive, Advantage West Midlands and Jobcentre Plus, the Personal Best programme was launched at Lilleshall National Sports Centre, in Shropshire, on Tuesday 29 September. The venue is included in the Pre-games Training Camp Guide for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and the launch event was attended by former middle and long-distance runner, and 5000 metres world record holder, David Moorcroft OBE.
Teresa Addinell, Regional Skills Development Director, Learning and Skills Council West Midlands, said, "This is an exciting training opportunity that is focused on raising skills levels and motivating out of work people in the region to improve their employability. The London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games are inspirational events, where sportsmen and women get a chance to excel. The region's Personal Best programme aims to encourage people who are out of work, or lack skills, to follow their example and take steps back to work.”
Jonathan Edwards, Olympic Triple Jump gold medallist and Deputy Chair of the London 2012 Nations and Regions Group said, "The London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games are inspiring change and encouraging people up and down the country to fulfil their potential. The launch of Personal Best in the West Midlands is another way for people to get involved right now with just under three years to go until the events themselves."
The programme will primarily target adults who are out of work and have significant barriers to employment due to a lack of skills. They will be offered an opportunity to train for a Level 1 qualification in event volunteering and, following a successful application, will have a guaranteed interview with the London Organising Committee for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG), to act as a Games-time Volunteer. Those completing the course will also have the opportunity to volunteer at local sporting, cultural and community events. LOCOG aspires to recruit up to 10% of Games-time Volunteers from Personal Best programme graduates across the UK.
The tailor-made course includes a variety of modules covering everything from customer service to public safety awareness and understanding what makes an effective volunteer, combined with 30 hours of practical volunteer experience. In addition, trainees will receive ongoing support and guidance from a team of Personal Best advisers, to improve their chances of getting a job and enhance their interview technique.
In addition to the course in volunteering other complementary training and support is being made available. In particular, a course in sports coaching and leadership is being offered to people who are out of work, as well as advice designed to tackle social exclusion by encouraging the take-up of a healthy lifestyle.
The region's Personal Best programme and complementary courses are being run by three regional training coordinators: City of Wolverhampton College, who will deliver the courses throughout the West Midlands, North Staffordshire YMCA who will run courses in Staffordshire and BTCV Enterprises Ltd who will deliver in Shropshire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire.
To find out more about the region's Personal Best programme and the courses on offer, please contact the Inspirations 2012 Games Consortium Office at City of Wolverhampton College on 01902 821954 or email redmans@wolvcoll.ac.uk.