Lauren, 17 from Birkenhead, joined the Sale Sharks Advantage programme in September 2019. When Lauren started the programme she struggled with her confidence and mental health. The Advantage tutors worked closely with Lauren to inspire her aspirations.
Advantage is a post 16 training provider, delivering across the North West and operating out of The Hive Youth Zone in Birkenhead. The programmes specialises in providing training programmes for young people who have left school, who may not have gained any qualifications and are unsure about their next step. Combining tuition for Level 2 Employability qualification and Functional Skills in English and Maths with work placement, active enrichment and life skills, the Advantage Programme, now in its 4th year, worked with over 80 learners at 6 sites in 2019 with more than 75% achieving a positive progression.
Jon Sproson, Advantage Programme Tutor who worked closely with Lauren, said
“Lauren came into the programme very quiet and didn’t engage with other learners. It was obvious that Lauren had an abundance of aspirations and talents however lacked confidence and support in her life. At Advantage, we work individually with participants to ensure they gain more than qualifications and employment. We want to ensure the individual gains inter-personal skills, life skills and more importantly believe in themselves.
Des Howlett, Education Manager at Sharks Community Trust, is proud of the work his team do with young people.
“Advantage is a life changing education programme for individuals who the traditional education system does not fit. Our whole programme is designed to help young people across the North West to gain positive progressions into Employment and Training and we are proud that we our Advantage Programme is able to continue supporting young people to much needed qualifications during this challenging period of isolation and social distance
For more information on the programme, or to join, please contact community@salesharks.com
