Graduates show how v talented they are
Published 17 February 2011
Fourteen talented young people have graduated from a volunteering scheme designed to teach them new skills and help them find a job.
They are the second group to graduate from Ealing Council’s vtalent programme which gives disadvantaged 16-24 year olds, the chance to complete a range of high-quality volunteer placements with Ealing’s Children and Families service, while studying for formal qualifications.
Councillor John Gallagher, Deputy Mayor of Ealing, congratulated the group, none of which were previously in work or education, at a special ceremony held in Ealing Town Hall on Wednesday, 16 February.
The vtalent programme is run in conjunction with volunteering charity ‘v’. All of the young people taking part receive expenses of up to £100 per week to help them to study. Once they have completed the course they can claim a £1500 personal development grant to help them make the transition to further training or paid work.
This year’s graduates are now moving on to a range of opportunities, including further study and pre-apprenticeships programmes at the council.
Volunteer Ricardo Daniel, 23, said: "Before I joined the vtalent programme, I wasn’t working or studying. I wanted to do something that would turn my life around and make a contribution to society.
"I have learnt so many skills on the course; things like teamwork, professionalism and the difference between work and home life. I know what I want from life now and the best way to go about achieving it."
Councillor Patricia Walker, cabinet member for Children and Young People said: " I would like to send out my heartfelt congratulations to these young people. We shouldn’t underestimate what an incredible personal and professional journey this has been for them.
"Programmes like this are very important in helping people to turn their lives around. That is why, despite central government discontinuing the funding for this programme, Ealing Council is going to pay for 20 more placements in the next financial year through the expansion of our apprenticeship scheme."
For more information about apprenticeships at Ealing Council, call the Apprenticeships Team on 020 8825 6234.