PET-Xi Training’s New Skills Hub
West Midlands Mayor Andy Street has visited PET-Xi Training’s new Skills Hub in Nuneaton to see first-hand the difference digital training is making in communities. Skills shortages is one of the key areas the Mayor is keen to address throughout the region to ensure businesses are able to employ qualified digital staff. Andy met staff and learners taking part in the Positive Futures and ITQ programmes run by PET-Xi Training to break down employability barriers at its Skills Hub in Abbey Street. The Skills Hub provides work experience opportunities, support to lone parents through childcare and parenting courses, self-employment enterprise programmes and expands on the quality of careers advice for young people through tailored interventions. Positive Futures is aimed at 15 to 24-year-olds not currently in education, employment or training – or at risk of becoming so – to achieve qualifications and employability skills including being provided with advice and support on applying for jobs, CV writing and interview tips. The ITQ scheme was also taking place which helps unemployed people back into the workforce through a seven-day level 2 IT user skills qualification. Andy said it had been great to meet learners benefiting from improving their digital skills through intensive training courses. “I have come to have huge admiration for PET-Xi Training and since they have recently expanded into Nuneaton, I wanted to come and see what they are doing in a different community which has got slightly different challenges,” he said. “It has been fantastic to chat to people taking part in the Positive Futures and ITQ programmes and find out more about the work being done to encourage digital skills. “We know through our research into developing the region’s economic plan that there is a real challenge around the depth and breadth of people’s understanding of digital skills. “It is great to see people coming together to obtain these skills whether they are changing careers, returning to work after a career break or having not taken these courses at school, because they will have improved their chances of securing their career ambitions through digital training and in turn, that will benefit businesses.” Fleur Sexton, managing director of the award-winning PET-Xi Training, said she had been proud to explain the courses they were running to the Mayor since they were making a real difference to peoples’ lives. She said:“We are known for operating at a community level to engage marginalised 16-24 year olds and have a constant track record of success in community engagement – and we are also renowned for going the extra mile to help learners stay engaged and on-track to success. “We have responded to the CWLEP skills strategy by using the hub to create employment opportunities, equipping the right people with the right skills to meet future employer demands. “The Skills Hub for North Warwickshire is the focal point of all our courses which interlink to help more people have access to learn digital skills. “Since we opened the Skills Hub in November, we have noticed we are helping a high proportion of people achieve digital skills as well as basic level English and maths qualifications as part of our Positive Futures course, particularly those with disabilities since our office is accessible to all and learners feel comfortable here. “Digital Skills is an area which the Mayor is determined to improve and upskilling people in Excel, PowerPoint and Microsoft opens up new career paths and also builds a workforce for the future to attract and retain skilled people in the West Midlands.” www.pet-xi.co.uk
Positive Futures
Young people in Warwickshire are being helped into work by Positive Futures, a training scheme targeting 15 to 24-year-olds not in education, employment or training who do not have basic maths and English qualifications. Co-funded by the Department for Work and Pensions’ European Social Fund and 50 per cent match funded by Warwickshire County Council and PET-Xi Training, the training course is helping break down barriers to entering the jobs market for young people in the local area. Deputy Director, Head of European Social Fund Division, Dr Catherine Blair visited young people taking part in the training course, to see first-hand the support offered by the training and education specialists. Since its launch in 2016, the project has seen over 350 young people secure jobs or enrol in education on completion of Positive Futures. The programme, launched by PET-Xi Training, has an ambition to support a further 400 young people move into employment or education. Joined by Glenn Robinson, manager of the Skills for Growth programme run by Warwickshire County Council, the pair were given a tour of PET-Xi Training’s headquarters in Coventry by the project’s managing director, Fleur Sexton. After meeting employees, Dr Blair visited PET-Xi Training’s new Skills Hub in Nuneaton to hear more about the Positive Futures project and the impact it has had on participants’ lives. Dr Blair said: “It was fantastic to see how this project is making a real difference to the lives of young people at risk of social exclusion. “Staff can offer young people practical advice on a range of issues, including employment, and support individuals with their next steps such as moving or providing transport to interviews. “Youth unemployment is at a record low and it’s great to see the difference projects like this make, helping more young people move into work or education.” Cllr Colin Hayfield, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Education and Learning at Warwickshire County Council, said: “The county council has prioritised young people who are at risk of social exclusion and has established a planning and co-ordination group where we liaise with partners such as PET-Xi Training to provide our young people with the support in areas where it is most needed.” Fleur, winner of Businesswoman of the Year 2017, said the legacies of Positive Futures include the impact on the lives of young people and the Skills Hub which has been opened to make it easier for young people in Warwickshire to gain qualifications and improve their career prospects. She said: “For over 20 years, PET-Xi’s vision has been to champion every single person to fulfil their potential through education and employment, find their place in their community and transform their life. “This scheme is designed to break down barriers to help young people in local communities to achieve essential basic maths and English qualifications and to improve their life chances by giving them the support they need to gain a job or a place in further education. “It was fantastic to welcome Dr Blair and Glenn to PET-Xi Training to show them first-hand the benefits of the project. “The feedback we have had from everyone involved whether it is young people or funders has been extremely positive – the Department of Work and Pensions and Warwickshire County Council have helped to fund this essential project which is making a real difference to young people’s lives.” www.pet-xi.co.uk/programmes/vocational/positive-futures/