This programme was initiated by funding from the Department of Education to develop programmes that support young people who have care experience and/ or vulnerable groups. Dudley Virtual School used this funding to create a set of workshops in conjunction with the founders of Smashlife, Matt and Andy Smith. This enabled young people to develop skills which will support them in the future.
It is led by the young people giving their assessment of what skills may be beneficial to them as they move towards adulthood. This learning is used to enhance their Curriculum Vitae and make them stand out to employers in the future.
Workshops are open to young people from Yr. 9 onwards.
Social Workers, Virtual school and college/school partners help to identify young people who would like to take part. A direct request can be made through Social Workers, Personal Assistants or colleges. If referred through the college it is open to young people from neighbouring authorities who attend one of our local colleges.
Working with Dudley and Halesowen College we are extending our original seven workshops, and the colleges are building further opportunities to learn new skills and develop a set of workshops for themselves. Combining all the elements will result in a document/electronic format named Passport for Success that includes statements from the leaders of each workshop for individuals to add to their CV.
The current seven workshops include.
- Workshop 1 “Getting to know you” - Your hopes dreams and aspirations
- Workshop 2 “It’s you against you.”
- Workshop 3 “Prada or Primark” Budgeting - The importance of budgeting
- Workshop 4 “Cooking and Healthy eating on a budget”
- Workshop 5 “The world of work”
- Workshop 6 “Buying a vehicle Tips and Tricks.”
- Workshop 7 “ Entrepreneurship” - an opportunity to speak to business creators
