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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.
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