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Young people 'Get Real'
for success
2 care leavers from Wirral have been
offered full time positions at Hoylake's Holiday Inn Express, following a
council initiative to support care leavers into employment, education and
training.
The 'Get Real' programme is the only scheme of its kind in the country. Taking
place over 18 weeks, the 4 stage course focuses on personal development and
employability skills. 'Get Real' includes a 3 day residential at Brathay Hall, in Ambleside, Cumbria,
which includes a number of outdoor activities designed to build confidence and
encourage team working; such as:- kayaking, night orienteering, and high rope
walking.
The programme also offers a 6 week internship which places participants with a
local employer, designed to give them the employability skills needed to help
them progress into employment and training.
Faye and Becca began their internships working on the front desk at Hoylake's
Holiday Inn Express, also gaining experience at its Marco Pierre White New York
Italian restaurant. During their internships they were involved in all aspects
of hospitality including customer service, organising accommodation, and
arranging events at the Hotel.
Faye said:- "Before I started the course I wasn't doing much at all other
than staying in bed but I thought this would give me an opportunity to change my
life. There have been lots of challenges on the internship, like getting out of
bed at 5am as well as learning new roles and complicated systems and procedures.
I'm looking forward to travelling with my new skills I've learnt within the
hospitality industry."
Becca added:- "Previously I was doing childcare but without my Level 2 in
maths I couldn't continue and didn't feel like I was getting anywhere. I thought
it would be good to do the Get Real course because it would boost my confidence
and give me the opportunity to improve my career prospects. I have really
enjoyed meeting new friends and learning new things. In the future I would
really like to be the manager of a restaurant one day."
Gareth Jones, Apprenticeship and Skills Manger for the 14-19 service at Wirral
Council says:- "I am really pleased and wish to congratulate both Becca
and Faye who have worked so hard to complete the Get Real Programme and have
really progressed; they are an absolute credit to themselves. I'd also like to
thank John and the staff at the Holiday Inn Express who have been exceptional in
the support and opportunities they have offered young people. "
Cllr Tony Smith, Wirral's Cabinet Member for Children and Family Services,
said:- "It's brilliant to see how the Get Real programme has helped to
support local care leavers with real, life changing results. Faye and Becca
deserve their success, and the Council's 14 to 19 service and Holiday Inn
Express should be praised for their valuable support."
Based in Kings Gap Hoylake, Holiday Inn Express has offered opportunities to
many young people through work experience, traineeships and apprenticeships in a
range of roles within the hotel.
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