AN OLDHAM social enterprise is stepping up efforts to help young people find their way back into education and employment, following a stark warning about the number of youngsters being left behind.
Upturn, based at The Hive in the Spindles shopping centre, has launched a new Alternative Provision programme aimed at re-engaging young people who have struggled with mainstream education.
The initiative comes in the wake of a national report by former health secretary Alan Milburn, which warned that around one million young people risk being consigned to long-term unemployment.
Rather than giving up on those who have struggled in the traditional education system, Upturn is taking a different approach – putting their interests and passions at the heart of learning.
The programme is designed to support youngsters facing barriers such as learning difficulties and challenging family circumstances, helping them rebuild confidence, develop practical skills and work towards qualifications.
Milburn’s message that ‘Young people are not lazy, distracted or entitled – we must not give up on them’ has struck a particular chord with the organisation.
Maria Williams, director and co-founder of Upturn, said: “What the former health minister said in his Young People and Work report absolutely chimes with what we are seeing from young people every day: ambition, aspiration but lack of relevant opportunities or a suitable education.
“Our retort is to create learning that puts young people at the centre of their own development and concentrates on their interests to form a pathway back. It will include opportunities to learn hands-on, perhaps get a work placement, and gain qualifications.
“And it will be so geared around them, they probably won’t even realise they’re learning!”
The idea is to start with something a young person enjoys before gradually using that interest to build the skills and qualifications needed to take their next steps towards work.
‘An olive branch for young people’
Learning will be delivered by specialists with practical, entrepreneurial and real-life experience, including musician and youth worker Adam Jenkins, who has been appointed Head of Alternative Provision.
Adam discovered his own path through music, touring the world and studying in London from the age of 17.
His appointment has helped bring a new creative dimension to Upturn’s Hive base, which is now equipped with musical instruments and studio equipment for podcast production.
The facilities will give young people the chance to explore creative interests while developing skills that could lead to careers in areas such as music production, graphic design and media.
Maria believes the approach could make a significant difference to youngsters who have found the conventional classroom environment difficult to navigate.
“When it comes to those who are struggling with issues such as learning difficulties or chaotic family backgrounds, our current education system is failing,” she continued.
“Indeed, you could argue that for those who are practical and hands-on and who could be our next generation of much-needed mechanics and builders – it isn’t much use, either.
“What we have with our new programme is an olive branch for young people, a chance to begin again and reach their full potential.”
She added: “Mr Milburn asked us all to not give up on them. And, on behalf of a community that looks out for each other – especially when they are feeling hopeless and helpless – that’s exactly what we are going to do!”
Upturn is encouraging anyone supporting a young person who wants to return to education to speak to their school or referral agency about the Alternative Provision programme.
For further information, email info@upturn.org.uk or visit upturn.org.uk.
The social enterprise is based at The Hive hub on the second floor of the Spindles shopping centre in Oldham, where it works with organisations and individuals to help them reach their potential.