Back on track, thanks to new West Bromwich Centre
15th March 2008

A learning centre in West Bromwich which is giving new hope to young people and the unemployed was officially opened (14 March) by The Mayor of Sandwell, Councillor Gurcharan Singh Sidhu. The TBG Learning centre in Victoria Street has been so successful in its first three months there are already plans for expansion.

On unveiling a plaque, Councillor Sidhu said: “I wish TBG Learning success here and hope that all the current and future learners will enjoy the benefits.”

The Mayor presented certificates and vouchers to John Neenan, 16, from Oldbury, Garath Swift, 18 from Smethwick, Syria Ewers, 17 from Smethwick and Holly Dodd, 16 from Tipton, who had all dropped out of the system and were ‘NEET’ (Not in Education, Employment or Training) before attending TBG Learning.  They’ve now progressed onto further training.

The Mayor also met Karim Barvar from Stone Cross, the first person to complete the Employability Skills course at the centre. He’s gained a Level 1 certificate in Adult Literacy and said at the event: “This has been so useful for me. I now have a CV, know how to use the Internet to find vacancies and how to write a letter for a job.”

16 young people have already started the NEET three month programme where tutors are helping them improve skills in English, Maths and IT, as well as giving them individual support to develop their confidence. Advice on further training and careers are also given to progress each young person onto something positive.

Garath Swift is now training in catering, Syria Ewers is doing administration, Holly Dodd and John Neenan are doing general studies. All have progressed onto ‘Entry to Employment’ programmes with local training companies and collected £50 rewards at the event for their success in completing NEET and doing the first four weeks of their training.

Jaswinder Sall, Manager, TBG Learning West Bromwich, said: “It has been a great honour and privilege to manage the new centre in the heart of the community and to see learners achieve and progress further in there chosen path.”

Last month James Purnell, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions highlighted that the Government considers ‘NEET’ young people a priority and that it will work further with private training providers such as TBG Learning.

Guests at the official opening of the centre including representatives from the Learning and Skills Council, which funds the NEET and Employability Skills programmes, Jobcentre Plus, which refers unemployed people to the training, Connexions, the advice service or young people, and Juniper and Greenspring training companies which run the Entry to Employment programmes for young people who progress from NEET.

Drop into TBG Learning West Bromwich at Lanchard House (First Floor, Suite 2), Victoria Street, West Bromwich B70 8ER or telephone 0121 525 5498 for further details. Young people can also ask their Connexions adviser.