Y.E.S.S. sets no rigid parameters for the young people it helps.  We simply require a commitment to address the issues affecting them, as well as respect for themselves and everyone who uses and works at the Centre.  Many of the young people we see have been discouraged by previously unsuccessful dealings elsewhere, and for that reason, we are concerned not to overwhelm them in the first instance with ‘action plans’ or rigid appointment times.  Nevertheless, we have a firm commitment to providing a launch pad into more formal programmes of education and skills acquisition.  To this end, we encourage young people, where appropriate, to investigate the possibilities open to them, as well as providing the means for them to sit the City and Guilds Key Skills, Wider Skills and Adult Literacy and Numeracy exams here at the centre

City & Guilds is the largest provider of Vocational Courses in the country.  They are recognised by companies worldwide and regarded as the benchmark for workplace skills.  Y.E.S.S. sought immediate registration as a City & Guilds Centre as soon as it was formed on May 1st 2003 and registration was confirmed in July. Y.E.S.S has worked on the necessary underpinning knowledge with these students. Since the beginning of November 79 students have obtained 119 certificates between them. 

On arrival at YESS students are assessed in an informal interview setting. This involves a simple form filling exercise and a short test in Literacy, Numeracy and IT Skills. We then decide together the best way forward for each individual student and design their educational programme. It might be just a stepping stone to college or employment or it might form part of a combination that is part-time college, employment and completing their City and Guilds qualifications with us. Each student works at their own pace and level and has access to constant one-to-one support in their studies.