Summer school acts as confidence booster

TRYING a trade . . . participants with Oldham West and Royton MP Jim McMahon

A SUMMER school run by Oldham West and Royton MP Jim McMahon has been hailed a success.

The initiative, run in partnership with?Oldham College, North Chadderton School and The Radclyffe School, was designed to encourage young people to consider a trade as a career choice.

Businesses across Oldham welcomed the project, recognising that?they fail to fill vacancies because those applying for jobs simply do not have the skills and qualifications needed.

Response
The pilot project began with a full-day induction at Oldham College followed by an eight-day work placement and ended with a team-confidence building session hosted by the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service.

In September, participants will be invited to a presentation evening at Oldham Community Fire Station. They will receive certificates in front of their parents, employers and sponsors.

Mr McMahon said: "This was a pilot project and the response from both businesses and the young participants has been very encouraging.

"The difference in their confidence levels before and after the placements is clear to see and has been great to witness."