Pilot scheme looking for volunteers
Wandsworth Council has unveiled a proposal to set up two learning hubs in the borough to offer residents greater educational opportunities and support into employment.
Each of the two hubs, which will be established in Battersea and Roehampton as part of a 15-week pilot project, aims to provide in the region of 12 hours-worth of classes every week.
The project has been designed to give people of all ages a route into further education, training or employment.
Each learning hub will have one session per week hosted by a professional from a specific field such as local business leaders, health professionals, Job Centre Plus/employment experts and representatives from Citizen’s Advice Bureau.
Other sessions will focus on teaching specific skills through things like writing workshops, drama classes to boost confidence and instil useful interview techniques and home DIY classes.
And, providing further career opportunities, 16 young volunteers aged between 19 and 24, who are trying to get into employment or training, will be recruited and managed by two mentors based at each of the hubs.
This group of volunteers will sign up for the entire 15 week term and work a minimum of six hours a week.
During the pilot they will be involved in a range of activities, including recruiting new students, supporting classes, carrying out administrative duties and setting up hub events and marketing their hubs.
The aim of this element of the project is to give the volunteers structured work experience and employability skills, which could lead to apprenticeship places, further education courses or other work.
In addition, local education, employment and training providers will be given opportunities to run taster sessions and mini courses from the hubs, as well as sitting on the Hub Steering Group.
Wandsworth’s executive member for education, Councillor Kathy Tracey, said:
“This pilot project is designed to give people more opportunities and extra support getting into work. And, as well as giving those studying and volunteering at the hubs a career boost, this project will also be of great benefit to the local providers taking part. Through this pilot project, employers will hopefully discover talented future employees, which in turn would help establish a strong local workforce.”
The hubs will be run by dedicated project co-ordinators, funded by the council’s Lifelong Learning team.
Roehampton’s learning hub will run out of Roehampton Youth Club, in Holybourne Avenue, there is a second hub being established in Battersea at Storm, in Battersea Park Road, on the Doddington and Rollo estate.
The pilot will be launched on April 15, and run until July 26. If the pilot is successful, it is hoped the hubs will continue to operate on a long-term basis.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer at one of the hubs or if you want to learn more about the courses on offer call 020 8871 8490. Alternatively learn more by visiting www.wandsworthlifelong.org.uk.
To watch a short film showcasing many of the classes and courses available across the borough visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=yey32hsTzPM&feature=youtu.be.
March 8, 2013