YOUNG Hull woman Shantelle Glen has taken the first steps on her new career ladder, thanks to our latest life-changing programme for the long-term unemployed.
The 21-year-old is one of 25 adults who were accepted onto two of our four new programmes, running with support from European Structural and Investment Funds, secured by the city to run a Community Led Local Development, (CLLD) programme. The two other programmes will take place next year, with recruitment already underway.
Shantelle was on one of the first two programmes, which have now been completed with a joint celebration event held at Hull’s Minerva Masonic Hall. Those attending included our trustees and staff, participants’ friends and families, along with representatives from Hull City Council, which co-ordinates and administers the CLLD grants, and from the Humber-Learning Consortium that supports organisations in the delivery of CLLD projects.
During the event, our programme leaders expressed their pride at what the individuals had achieved. With a total of 170 vocational and academic awards and qualifications gained, two participants have already secured employment with at least 10 more moving into training or further career experience.
Congratulating the participants at the celebration event, Move On officer Paul Wise – who just this week retired from the organisation – said: “The key to changing your lives is confidence and belief, and you have that.”
Colleague Fiona Daggett added: “You have achieved, and you should be extremely proud of what you have gained.”
As a teenager, Shantelle spent three years at Wilberforce College gaining Level 2 and 3 qualifications in Health and Social Care before losing her way and not finding a job. However, following her successful CatZero change programme, she is now in work in the home care sector.
“This would never have happened if I had been on this course, it has been amazing in every way,” she said.
Participant Matthew Elvin, 39, has been out of work since mid-June and is now hoping to use his new-found confidence and qualifications as his springboard to a new future.
“This programme is going to improve the lives of a lot of people. The self-esteem and confidence that is built, along with the help and support, is amazing,” said Matthew.
Programme leader Pete Tighe added: “Both teams have been fantastic, showing true enthusiasm and commitment and we are now looking forward to 2019 and our two other programmes.”
Clive Darnell, Chair of the Local Action Group that oversees Hull’s Community Led Local Development programme added: “It is great to see CLLD projects up and running and making a real difference to people’s lives in such a short space of time”
For more information on the next two programmes, please email [email protected]
Find event and booking information, plus more details on the CLLD grant programme, at www.hlc-vol.org/clld.