With record high youth unemployment figures it is now more important than ever for young people to finish their education and, where possible, get some vital work experience along the way.
Some young people find the traditional school environment difficult. The Skills Academy, run as a partnership with YMCA Training, offers an alternative to mainstream education for 14 to 16 year olds at risk of exclusion. The Academy, which is based at the YMCA John Innes Youth Centre in Wimbledon, provides a patient and understanding environment to reintroduce structure and encourage engagement with study.
While at the Academy, students study sports training and City & Guilds qualifications in English and Maths. The students’ timetable also incorporates work experience with local companies and for the 2011-12 academic year will include apprenticeship schemes.
The Academy started back in 2006 and is recognised by the London Borough of Merton as an approved provider of alternative education for students out of mainstream education.
ContactFor more information about the Skills Academy, please contact jonathanmelville-thomas@ymcalsw.org