The vulnerable learner project
KCC has invested in a project to help more vulnerable young
people in Kent into apprenticeships.
Target groups
The following four groups have been chosen for this scheme due
to the high possibility that they will become, or already are, NEET
(not in education, employment or training).
The groups are:
- teenage parents
- young offenders
- care leavers
- young people with learning or physical disabilities or mental
health problems.
Although the young people from the four target groups have
diverse needs, there are common outcomes that we hope will be
achieved through the scheme.
We hope to:
- provide a transition into the world of work
- increase self esteem and confidence
- increase motivation
- raise aspiration.
Training
Apprenticeship training for 16-18 year olds is fully 
funded by the Government, and support
is provided by KCC departments and partner agencies; the
Attendance & Behaviour Service, Youth Offending Service, Catch
22 and Training Providers across Kent.
Bespoke training has been developed for young people with
learning disabilities to enable them to gain accredited
qualifications whilst employed.
These young people are undertaking roles in retail, floristry,
horticulture and catering and it is hoped that they will develop
and learn the skills that will enable them to take on full time
work or an apprenticeship in the future.
Project and placements
The project has been running for 8 months and we have placed 74
young people – 67 young people into apprenticeships and a further 7
into apprenticeship style opportunities.
The placements are in a variety of
public, voluntary and private sector organisations and cover a wide
range of skill areas including:
- customer service
- construction
- equine studies
- sports and leisure
- childcare and hairdressing.
What do the participants think?
Care leaver
“I will not be my old self sitting on a sofa watching TV wasting
my life, I used to look on my life as a joke, now I realise I have
the potential to do more in my life.
Even if it doesn’t pan out and the employer doesn’t employ me at
the end, I’m still further ahead and will have skills maybe another
employer will need.”
Young parent
“It’s a path to a career more than just a year of dead end work
– Something to aspire to for my daughter – she’ll see me working
and helping others and not on benefits – it might change her life
too.”
Vulnerable Learner Project - Romney Resource Centre
Vulnerable Learner Project - AKE & Concept Training