AWARDS FOR MOTHERWELL’S TOP YOUNG LEARNERS
The pupils were among a group of 30 youngsters from across North Lanarkshire who were recognised for their achievements in the Flexible Learning Initiative at a ceremony at North Lanarkshire Council’s headquarters in Coatbridge on Wednesday (10th June).
The Flexible Learning Initiative is organised and operated by North Lanarkshire Council’s Learning and Leisure Services in partnership with local secondary schools, and aims to provide support to S4 and S5 pupils at risk of disengaging out of education.
The teenagers who take part are encouraged to continue classes, on a part-time basis where appropriate, and take part in vocational education and learning outside of the classroom. Pupils can learn a wide range of areas including hospitality, beauty therapy, car maintenance and music and video production.
The project is part of the Council’s broader European-funded initiative, North Lanarkshire’s Working, which is aiming to help local people of all ages into education, training and employment. The Initiative is closely linked to the More Choices More Chances and the Curriculum for excellence agendas.
Rebecca Hoey, from Motherwell, was one of the teenagers to receive an award after joining the Flexible Learning Initiative in September last year.
Rebecca, 15, said: “Taking part in the Flexible Learning Initiative has been great. I was never able to get on at school, but the programme has really helped me to develop my self-confidence and settle into the routine of learning.
”I’ve been able to find out more about a lot of different careers, including hairdressing and hospitality, and I feel like I’ve got a much better idea of what I want to do with my future.”
The Flexible Learning Initiative has been running for 18 months and has already produced impressive results, helping many local teens to improve their school attendance and move on to further education, additional training, or employment.
Around 90 people attended the awards ceremony, including friends and family of the award recipients and North Lanarkshire Council representatives including Councillor Jim Logue and Christine Pollock, Executive Director of Learning and Leisure Services.
Christine Pollock, Executive Director, Learning & Leisure Services, North Lanarkshire Council, said: “The Flexible Learning Initiative has been a real success story, helping young people across North Lanarkshire to participate in learning in a way which suits them and start on the path to succeeding in a career.
“The awards ceremony was a great opportunity for young people to reflect on just how far they’ve come and how much confidence they have gained. They are now much better placed to succeed in the job market, and I wish them luck in their future endeavours.”
A lone parent from Airdrie is looking forward to a summer holiday with her family. She has found full-time employment with the support of North Lanarkshire's Working.
