Neighbourhood Learning Programme
The Neighbourhood Learning Programme aims to:
Provide formal and informal learning opportunities and learning "tasters" within local communities.
Deliver learning and training programmes on an outreach basis, including carpentry, ICT, ceramics, retail skill, hair & beauty, and construction.
Deliver "tasters" and courses as part of the 14-19 Pathways Curriculum Enhancement project and Freshstart programme.
NEIGHBOURHOOD LEARNING ESF PROJECT
Background and overview
The Neighbourhood Learning Project was initially established in April 2003. Originally set up to run through the Neighbourhood Learning Centre also known as the NLC and the Gurnos Community Workshops, the project offered local residents living in Gurnos, Galon Uchaf, Dowlais, Pant and Penydarren opportunities to participate in informal learning and activities or tasters which act as hooks in re-engaging individuals who have otherwise little involvement in learning or participation in community life. The project contributes directly and indirectly to helping achieve the vision for the future of Merthyr Tydfil.
The original project ran until April 2006 with £2.4 million funding from Objective One European Social Fund.
Phase 2 has built upon the success of the first phase and includes expansion into the southern valleys of Merthyr. Further funding has been secured to the end of June 2008, totaling £3.4 million for the life of the Phase 2. The project involves working closely with partners including Community Education, Merthyr College, University of Glamorgan, Dolygaer Outdoor Education Centre, Welsh International Climbing Centre and the 3 G’s Development Trust.
At the end of the first year of Phase 2 (March 2007), 1,100 people enrolled in learning opportunities, supported by 31 Childcare places, and 323 people have progressed into work or further learning.
Activities at the Neighbourhood Learning Centre
The ICT Suite
The ICT Suite encourages and supports local residents to participate and succeed in developing their knowledge, understanding and capacity to access and fully utilise ICT in their day to day lives.
Provision of ICT training is offered through the Centre and satellite centres throughout North Merthyr. Training is available at a variety of levels from basic introductory courses to more advanced opportunities. The ICT facility has produced various courses to meet the demand of the community including digital imaging and access to ‘Shape It’.
Carpentry Workshop
The Carpentry Workshop provides opportunities for residents “re engage” in community life through the medium of practical hands on experience. The workshop offers opportunities for participants to experience learning opportunities through the medium of woodwork/carpentry. The courses are structures to not only give a valuable insight but aim to cover the key aspects of all construction trades to enable the learner to make informed decisions about their preferred trade.
Ceramics Studios
Two Ceramics Studios seek to engage local people via a range of different mediums or arts based learning activities.
Classes are structured to suite all needs from engaging with learners who find it difficult to get involved with formal learning to the more advanced learner whom enjoys making intricate clay forms. The facility has now set up Gurnos Ceramics as a small enterprise to help established the sale of locally produced art work and ceramic form.
Retail Training Unit
The Retail Training Unit was built during 2005 via a grant secured through Working Links and the Department of Work and Pensions. The Unit aims to enable socially excluded/disadvantaged people and jobseekers to access local training in retail methods, providing local people with the skills required to gain sustainable employment within the developing local retail industry.
The simulative retail training unit with its unique fully functional state of the art Electronic Point of Sale (EPOS) is used as a preparation tool to increase the “ready to work aptitude” of unemployed participants. To date 42 local people that have attended a Pre – employment Retail Course have gained employment in the Retail Sector including jobs at the new Cyfartha Retail Park.
“The training facility at The Neighbourhood Learning Centre has been a lifeline in the process of recruitment for New Look at Cyfarthfa Retail Park. We held an interview day with the group and came away with eight new staff. The staff recruited from Retail Training is proving to be the stronger group”
Jane Forbes, Senior Stores Manager, New Look
New Activities from Phase 2
Construction Skills Facility
In March 2006 the Centre launched its new Construction Skills Facility. This facility funded through a grant of £106,000 by Working Links and the Department of Work and Pensions will give local people the opportunity to gain experience and confidence in Construction Skills Activities.
These activities will include painting and decorating, ceramic tiling, kitchen fitting, plumbing and plastering. The facility adapts to the ever changing construction industry working with local and regional employers and partners to effectively match participants to potential employment.
Outdoor Learning
The Outdoor Learning programme launched in December 05 offers a broad programme of activities through the Outdoors. These activities include mountain biking, canoeing, bird watching and gentle walks.
Learning through the outdoors engages people who haven’t participated in much learning, and has become an integral part of many of our courses helping people to overcome social barriers, increase motivation and resilience and enjoy the outstanding countryside surrounding the area of Merthyr Tydfil.
We have available a mobile climbing tower which we can take anywhere in the borough and provide an excellent introduction to rock climbing. Any further information or to book this facility contact the outdoor learning team on 01685 727300.
Qualifications available include:
- Btec 1st Certificate
- OCN levels 1 & 2
- Key Skills
- Welsh Canoeing Association
- National Navigation Award
- Royal Yachting Association
Hair and Beauty
In March 2006 the Centre launched its new Hair and Beauty Training Salon. Funded through a grant Working Links/Department of Work and Pensions and Communities First this facility offers local people the opportunity to learn new skills for the hair and beauty sector.
These activities include hairdressing, beauty therapy and manicuring. Many participants who have taken part in these sessions have shown an increase in motivation, confidence and self-esteem acting as a must-needed step in the direction of more social involvement and potential employment.
For further information please contact:
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Tel: - 01685 727099 |
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Fax: - 01685 379645 |
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email: nlc.enquires@merthyr.gov.uk |
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The Neighbourhood Learning Centre 17-20 Penydre, Gurnos, Merthyr Tydfil, CF47 9DY |