“I‘m not sure what to do when I leave school.”
That’s the question facing many of the borough’s 16 year olds as they complete their GCSEs. And for one girl, Robyn Bailey, learning what options are open to her has helped to transform her future.
The year 11 pupil at Shevington High School attended a post-16 options fair at school recently. Run by Wigan Council’s Connexions team, who advise 13 – 19 year olds on careers and heath and money issues, the fair enabled Robyn and her friends to meet local education and training providers.
Connexions advisor Darren Holmes, who works closely with Shevington High, says: “As a follow up to our options fair, I brought into school several local training advisors who spent time, informally, with the young people to explore the choices available to them, especially those who were undecided about what to do next.”
Robyn, currently completing GCSEs including Health and Social Care, Media and PE, isn’t keen on further education. “I didn’t really know what else there was besides college,” she says. “Darren invited me to the sessions run by Connexions, and they really helped me.”
The council team are particularly concerned that during the current economic downturn helping young people to secure opportunities is particularly important.
Darren adds: “This close up work gives the students a chance to chat in smaller groups, finding out more about apprenticeships, who offers what and to ask any questions they had. Although certain industries are suffering in the current economic climate, there are opportunities out there – we just need to make young people aware of them and offer advice and support were we can to make sure that they make the right decisions.”
Shevington deputy head Bett Southworth was initially reticent about another well-meaning scheme. But she was impressed with Darren’s commitment. “Unerring good will, positive attitude, great feedback,” says Bett. “Darren is helping every student, whatever their background, ability or attitude. The ultimate test was whether he could assemble all the service providers for our sessions in school.”
Connexions did just that, bringing together the likes of Rathbones, ProCo, Central Skills, Alliance, Venture Learning and the YMCA to advise the kids.
Julie Podesta of Venture Learning was delighted with her visit to Shevington High. “We have been able to identify young people who want to undertake this valuable route into employment and training and we are now working with the applicants to find them jobs and placements."
And as for Robyn, she’s now clear on her choices: “I have now decided I want to train to be a hairdresser and am making plans in that direction.”
