The project ‘Connected’, run by Connexions Derbyshire, has been awarded £859,000 from the European Social Fund 2007-13 (ESF) and the Learning and Skills Council East Midlands. It has helped Angela Thompson, 16, from Willington, turn her interest in beauty therapy into a career path which is looking good. ESF is investing £376 million overall to boost skills and jobs in the region.
Angela moved to Derby from North Yorkshire, and as a result, missed college enrolment, so was at a loss as to what to do next. She hadn’t done as well as she’d hoped in her exams and had needed additional support during her time at school to help with her dyslexia. This had dented her confidence and left her feeling low about what she could go on to achieve.
She decided to visit Derbyshire Connexions Centre on Curzon Street. Angela explains:
“My mum and dad said it would be a good idea if I went and spoke to Connexions as I really didn’t know what to do – and they were really helpful.”
She had always been interested in studying beauty therapy at school, but was nervous about committing herself to a course in it, just in case it wasn’t for her. A personal adviser referred her on to the Connected programme – which offers vocational tasters in a range of areas including beauty therapy.
Within days, Angela began a course in beauty therapy run by East Midlands College of Health and Beauty in Derby.
Angela said:
“On Connected I learned how to do manicures, pedicures and facials. It was a really good to find out what a course in beauty therapy might involve and it made me want to go on to the next level.”
Rebecca O’Reilly, Connected co-ordinator, explains,
“Connected is for young people, aged 16 to 19, who haven’t managed to find a job, course or training. It’s a hands-on programme that gives them a taste of what they could do next, but also offers them the support they need to help them progress into other options like e2e (Entry to Employment) programmes, further education, employment or training.”
Angela was offered a place on an NVQ level 2 beauty therapy Apprenticeship, and puts her new direction solely down to the support she received from Connected.
“Without Becky’s help I would probably be sat at home doing nothing. She gave me lots of support and I’m really enjoying my course!”
For further information about Connexions Derbyshire contact Fiona.McKinlay@connexions-derbyshire.org
