Ewch Amdani Summer School deemed huge success!

Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council’s Pathway To Work Team (P2W) put together ‘Ewch Amdani! Go for it!’ Summer School for children looked after and care leavers. This was a one week programme during the holidays, where fun activities around education, future goals, dreams and what is accessible to all in South Wales took place.

The aim was to open the young person(s) mind to what career paths are available and make it fun, whilst learning new skills and sourcing out useful information for their future.

The Pathway To Work team sits within the LA's Employability Team and is co-managed by the Employability Project Coordinator, Jared Green and CLA Education Team Manager, Jess Jones. This cross-directorate approach makes this project unique and has clearly impacted on its success to date.

The project was launched on the 12th of January 2024 when P2W took 14 children aged 11-16 from Pen Y Dre High School to BBC Wales in Cardiff. This offered young people the opportunity for a tour and to gain knowledge of the exciting career opportunities on offer via the BBC.  The Director of BBC Wales ‘Rhuanedd Richard’ spoke to the children and told them that she would love for all of them to work there one day, and that they have so many amazing opportunities that are accessible to all.

During the Ewch Amdani Summer School programme, children looked after and care leavers attended the College Merthyr Tydfil, which consisted of a full tour showing the different courses that were available and how they are suitable for everyone. The class were able to have a ‘hands on’ approach visiting subjects like engineering, construction, mechanics, hair, beauty and creative studies. The tour ended with a visit within the Shwmaeronment room, where the importance of Welsh language was discussed.

There was also an opportunity to tour the EE building and see those currently in work, meeting rooms, games room and their canteen. Young people got to learn about ‘Seren Dyfodol’, which is a programme that EE runs in line with school age young people 14+ for two consecutive years, every two weeks they will attend EE in school hours to focus on a work ready course which will include: IT, technical and customer service skills, presentation & communication skills, as well as an introduction to the apprenticeship that they offer. It was then explained if the individuals show full commitment such as attendance and a positive attitude to the programme are the only qualifications necessary and they will be guaranteed the option of an EE apprenticeship.

When visiting Compass Community Hub, the class enjoyed taster sessions in Nail Art, Hair, Construction, pottery as well as a CV workshop. The CV workshop was excellent, lots didn’t know what a CV was at the start of the session, by the end of the session everyone had a good understanding and also a paper copy of what they would write down on their own CV to take home with them.

Another successful day was had when visiting the University of South Wales, where the class were given a very informative tour of the campus, sat in a lecture theatre and were spoken to about all of the different courses that can be studied at the University. It was explained that the children are eligible for free tuition fees and accommodation which led to 9 children expressing that they now want to go to university following the visit.

There was a day where the children visited Aberthaw Power Station; it was explained how they are now in the process of demolishing the power station to become a green industrial centre and will attract lots of new employers and leisure facility and future employment.

The children also received a visit from Lady Kathrine from Fonmon Castle, who spoke about the history of the castle, her role at the castle, including all of the gardening that takes place. She brought sunflower seeds, pots and compost and handed them out so everyone could plant the seeds and take them home in the pots.

On the final day of the programme, the children arrived at Llangorse where the class had a go at rock climbing, caving and some tried abseiling. There was so much enjoyment from everyone and a brilliant way to end the week.

Deb Ryan Newton, MTCBC's Employability Manager commented: “The Pathway To Work programme, since its initial inception in 2020, has flourished and developed into a robust and supportive initiative helping shape the future of our young care leavers to achieve an early insight into the world of further education, skills and employment.

“The Ewch Amdani project has focussed on making career options fun and informative and we look forward to what the future brings for our young looked after children and the Pathway To Work programme”.