Introduction

Welcome to SomersetWorks – we are an independent service. We are not connected to colleges, training providers or employers, who give advice and support with the aim of enabling young people to maintain or access a place in education employment or training post 16. We are funded through the European Social Fund (ESF) to deliver the Somerset NEETs Project – SomersetWorks.

The project works to provide access to a range of provision available to young people on their journey from education to employment. We will also provide new opportunities for young people in school years 11 to 13 – people aged 15 to 18 – who are, or at risk of, finding themselves, Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET).

It covers three key areas:

• Year 11 provision – Talent Academies – a sector-based programme of ‘meaningful engagements’ with employers in key sectors; and Transition Courses – short vocational programmes identified through existing Transition Panels.
• Years 12-13 provision – additional resources for young people who are not in employment or training and would like to take part in a range of opportunities.
• Support for young people who are at risk of becoming NEET

After a referral someone from SomersetWorks will be in touch.

Here is a short careers talk video with young people. Learn about different routes available after leaving education from a range of inspiring youth voices. These also raise awareness of roles of the young people and the businesses they work for.

 

We work closely with Somerset Skills and Learning to provide access to Study programmes through them, supported by SomersetWorks.

Opportunities available

Traineeship – Work prep followed by Work Experience – this course can last up to 6 months, ends as soon as progression is achieved – for people close to being ready for work who want to get an apprenticeship or paid employment. FS Maths and English will also be taught. There are multiple start dates for these programmes with a bespoke approach to individual need.

Weston College Innovate – 3 days a week with a work coach. For people who need a more wellbeing-focused course to get back into learning. Referral is through SomersetWorks. 12 weeks online – develop your personal wellbeing, employability and digital skills.

Somerset Skills and Learning
Traineeships and short courses (for example, retail)
Also GCSE English and Maths, enrolling only at the start of AY with Higher Level 1 Grades achieved.

Online English and Maths. Functional Skills with an online tutor through Somerset Skills and Learning – use the

West Somerset Opportunity Area
Short access courses in vocational areas delivered by Somerset Skills and Learning.

AONB
Taunton and West Somerset Area land-based training and work experience based on the Quantocks AONB. Ability to gain Health and Safety qualification and tickets for safe use of machinery and tools, employer links and tickets for use of machinery and equipment

Ark at Egwood
Acts of Random Kindness (ARK), is a land-based day facility at Egwood, near the village of Merriott in South Somerset. On 12 acres of land, it comprises animals, horticulture and communal buildings, and offers a range of activities, experiences and support services to improve health, wellbeing and opportunities for all.

Seed Project Wincanton
7 week programme – female participants.

The programme will consist of experiential workshops, homework, and cross-generational mentoring, focusing on developing creative skill and self-confidence building – delivered by Lynne Franks.

The workshops will be teaching how to use imagination and visioning skills along with the practical means to transform them into building a sustainable future for the participants and their community.

English and Maths
Online Tutor package Functional Skills – referral through SomersetWorks, delivered by Somerset Skills and Learning.

Young Somerset – 7 week programme
Half-day programme – up to 12 learners – engagement and activities based around needs and interests. Initial one-to-one meeting, then with a small group to work in sessions that could be music, mechanics, Hair and Beauty, countryside management or bespoke.

Youth Unlimited
To provide advice and self-guided support through small group interventions with young people – helping them overcome issues affecting their wellbeing, confidence, self-esteem and resilience, and to build the relationship through mentoring to support them in engaging in their next steps into education training and employment. To also provide young people with advice and support through the provision of specialist resources, and signposting to a wide range of other local community services and those available through SomersetWorks. This can be walk and talk, and group work where required.

Princes Trust
Princes Trust Short courses and vocational courses.
2-week programme – areas to be decided

Mentoring offers
3-month programme – Weston
Our programmes – Help for young people – The Prince’s Trust

Hitz
Looking to next year.
New Sports Education Faculty – Bristol Bears Hitz Somerset – based in Taunton
Full time course with English and Maths delivered in a partnership between Bristol Bears, their training provider and SomersetWorks – 3 days of study with a day of work experience.