NEET students moving on up after achieving with Nelson and Colne College

A group of students previously Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET) are moving on up in the world thanks to the support of Nelson and Colne College.

Working in partnership with the Prince’s Trust, the Moving On Project is a rolling programme for 15 to 19-year-olds who are either ‘at risk’ or who have become disengaged with school life.

The main purpose of the programme is to encourage students to re-engage through learning sessions and one-to-one guidance at College with the aim of ensuring sustained participation in either education or employment where possible.

As part of the programme, students are offered the chance of obtaining their Maths and English qualifications up to Level 2. Also offered are a variety of other qualifications through awarding bodies City & Guilds and Ascentis, while BTEC qualifications in vocational studies can be provided.

Michelle Paice-Jones, NEET project delivery worker for Nelson and Colne College, said: “Getting NEET students back into a learning environment is not an easy task but as a team, we really understand the needs and provide the support required to ensure that students become re-engaged.

“I, together with my colleague Sharon Large, would like to offer our congratulations to all of our students who have worked so hard and been dedicated to improving themselves, achieving this in such a short space of time. We are very proud of you all.

“The programme continues to evolve and has become bespoke. Different students require varied strategies and coping mechanisms have been built around individuals to help them flourish in day to day life.

“We have seen students develop their self-confidence, grow personal and professional skills and form friendships which have helped provide a positive learning environment. Many of these friendships, I am sure, will thrive and continue.”

Humairaa Mahmood was one of those students on the programme in 2018/19. When she started, Humairaa was undecided about the direction of her life, lacked confidence and was not outgoing. Through the programme, her confidence and independence have been transformed and she has signed up to complete a Level 2 Teaching Assistant qualification.

Humairaa, 18, previously of Marsden Heights Community College, said: “I’m really excited to be training to become a Teaching Assistant and do an Apprenticeship because I have always wanted to work with primary age children. It’s a dream, but I didn’t think I would ever do it because of my lack of confidence and qualifications.

“Working alongside Michelle has really helped to boost my confidence. I’ve had a great time on the programme and I’ve learned so much.

“Nelson and Colne College is a really nice place to learn. It is easy to speak to staff if you need any support and the help is there. I feel really good about myself.”

Nelson and Colne College is the number one college in the country for 16-18 learner achievement and 16-18 timely Apprenticeship achievement. The college is also number one in Lancashire for A Levels and vocational courses, based on progress scores, and is the leading FE College in the country for GCSE Mathematics progress and second nationally for English progress.

NCC is also the number one college in Lancashire for both student satisfaction and employer satisfaction, based on the latest FE Choices survey.

For more information about Nelson and Colne College contact 01282 440272 or visit www.nelson.ac.uk