Youth Engagement Service

My Time at YES by Ryan O

2011-04-07T13:10:00.000-07:00

I come here for education, to learn about all the tools and different joints with wood. This is what I want to do when I’m older – I want to be a carpenter.

I really enjoy using the router, because it is fun to use and you can get good detail on the wood.

I made a mahogany coffee table and this was the piece of work I did that I was the most proud of, I gave this table to my girlfriends mum and she paid me for it.

YES is a good place to come, I’ve made a lot of friends here. The first time I came and I only knew one person but now I have made friends with everyone. The second time I came I felt a lot more comfortable. I like it because it gives me something to do and this chills me out.

There are nice teachers and the manager is nice.

From Ryan O. April 2011

My time at YES

2011-04-05T00:00:00.000-07:00

When I first started at the Youth Engagement Service I was really nervous and shy. I don’t usually cope well in new environments and I get stressed if I don’t fit in. I didn’t really know what to expect when I first came but after a while I got used to coming and I have made a lot of good friends at Youth Engagement Service.

The members of staff here are very helpful and very kind. They helped me with any problems I was having. I have taken part in loads of projects like a helicopter bird box, name plaques and drawings. I also have qualifications in health and safety level 1 and 2 and I have experience with some of the power tools i.e. chop saw, router and wood burner.

There was a time a few of the students here went to a special educational needs school called Chatsworth High to teach kids how to build bird boxes. The experience helped me a lot as I have 2 friends who go to that school and I’m glad I was able to teach them something new.

After my experience with Youth Engagement Service I feel more confident and a bit less shy. It has also helped me cope with a school phobia I had but now I am able to stay calm and not be stressed.

By Jake F

WELCOME

2011-03-03T12:20:00.000-08:00

Mission

Youth Engagement Service is a vocational provision in Greater Manchester for young people aged 14-19 who have social, emotional, behavioural and learning difficulties, specialising in delivering Building and Construction.

We enrich learning by working closely with local Secondary Schools, Pupil Referral Units, Youth Offending Teams, Social Services and Connexions.

Our aim is to assist these young people in their education broadening and developing their employability skills, in preparation for working life.

What we do

We deliver a bespoke vocational training project in building and construction to young people on the verge of, or have been, permanently excluded from school, other education, training or employment.

We understand that school does not work for everyone, therefore, alternative, creative and innovative measures and curriculums are needed for support young people and prevent them from becoming long-term unemployed.

In our dynamic working environment, we deliver a holistic vocational project which is tailored to the individual needs of the young person and we always ensure we are working in small groups to achieve this.

Our Achievements

Since our beginnings, we have worked with approximately 120 young people from Greater Manchester, who were disengaged from education, not in any employment or engaged in any training.

These young people accessed our vocational courses, attending from 3 months to a full acadmic year on a part-time basis.

During this time, the young people engaged in practical activities and completed qualifications up to Level 2 standard.

We have worked closely with referring agencies to ensure young people are supported throughout their learning journey.

Over 90% of our young people have either returned to education, are attending college or are still on roll at Youth Engagement Service.

We are a successful alternative approach to a young person's education.