The Learning Agreement Pilot Dishes Up Just What Jessica Ordered
3000 sixteen and seventeen year olds from Lancashire who were in jobs without training, are now working towards gaining qualifications and improving their confidence thanks to the Learning Agreement Pilot.
Ingleton's Jessica Frankland, was the 3000th young person to sign up to the pilot. After spending a year studying catering, Jessica decided that the classroom environment was not for her and left college. Whilst working part-time in the kitchen of her local pub, the Craven Heifer on Main Street, Ingleton, Jessica contacted Lancaster Connexions who suggested she try the Learning Agreement Pilot for the qualifications and hands-on experience she desired.
Many young people from across the Lancaster and Morecambe area have benefitted from the scheme which aims to help young people break free from the unemployment / unskilled work merry-go-round which can leave them lacking in confidence and qualifications. Tackling the NEET (Not in Education Employment or Training) population of the county, the scheme provides young people with skills, qualifications and better prospects to progress their careers.
Jessica is now studying for a Level 2 Apprenticeship in Food and Drink Service at Lancaster and Morecambe College while working at the pub. She said: "The pilot has been a great choice for me, as I can get training whilst I work, providing me with the hands on experience I've always wanted.
"I want to become more confident within my job role, and feel that gaining the right qualifications will help me do this. With more confidence I feel I will be able to take on a more managerial front of house role, which is something I would love to do."
Linda Dray, Learning Agreement Pilot Personal Adviser commented: "It's great that Jessica is the 3000th sign up to the pilot, she is a fantastic example of how the scheme can help young people who are in work but unsure as to their next step on the career ladder. "
Jessica concludes: "I would definitely recommend the pilot to other young people, I have found the one-to-one support fantastic and my Personal Adviser has been there for me throughout which has made the whole process so straightforward."
