Breakfast Club helps young people learn

1st July 2008

A breakfast club for young people on training courses has been hailed the secret to successful learning. Independent training company TBG Learning, which runs an Entry to Employment course for young people aged 16-18 who have not entered college or found employment, provides a free breakfast every morning for its learners, many of whom help with the preparation and serving.

Hannah Joyce, head of Entry to Employment (e2e) in Colchester said: “some of our learners live independently and making sure they have had something to eat helps their concentration. Having breakfast together also helps them to mix and form friendships. We’re like a family.”

e2e is funded through the Learning and Skills Council, and combines academic and work related learning and prepares young people for employment.  This includes support with gaining basic skills and IT qualifications, and prepares them with life skills such as budgeting, cooking, and work experience in occupational areas such as childcare or plumbing. An important aspect of the programme is helping each young person with career advice, helping to prepare a CV, and develop their interview skills to aid employment. The Colchester centre is situated in Portal House, 27 Southway.

Ross Mather, aged 16 commented: “I want to do plumbing or become an electrician and I’m getting the help I need to achieve this”

Andrea Pawsey, Colchester centre manager added: “We have an excellent history with progressing students onto College courses, into employment or onto Apprenticeship programmes, and introducing the breakfast club has significantly enhanced the retention of learners on this programme, which has contributed to our great success”.

Due to the success of the e2e programme, TBG Learning has been given a further contract from the LSC to help even more young people this year. TBG Learning also has a centre in Clacton.

Young people leaving Colchester or Clacton schools this summer who have not gained a place at college or who are not moving straight into employment should telephone TBG Learning Colchester on 01206 366341or TBG Learning Clacton on 01255 430053 where e2e is available at both centres.