HARD working young people who have improved their lives by securing the skills and qualifications they need to find full-time employment or continue their learning have been recognised for their success.

National independent training provider Skills Training UK celebrated the achievements of 15 learners aged 16 to 24 at its Brighton centre, located in the Bridge Community Centre, alongside business leaders and other key partners.

Skills Training UK offers a range of traineeships and apprenticeships to young people who have few or no qualifications, many of whom face challenging circumstances in their personal lives.

Each learner is supported to achieve vital qualifications in English and maths as well as gain opportunities to learn new skills and take part in work experience with a local employer.

Learners leave Skills Training UK with improved confidence and the right skills needed to move into full-time employment or continue their learning.

Skills Director Stephen Crawley said: “Congratulations to all learners for their hard work and commitment.

“We are very proud to see the positive progress they have made since joining us and to recognise how far they have come in such a short space of time.

“We wish them all the very best in their future career paths, wherever it may take them.

“Very often we don’t recognise the difference that we’re all making – both to the local economy and to people’s lives.

“But by working together we are starting to see lots and lots of success stories.

“Our programmes are about giving young people the very best chance to change their lives, with vital skills and meaningful opportunities that have the potential to lead to full-time employment or further education.

“Our all-inclusive, individual approach ensures every young person is supported to grow in confidence, develop employability skills and gain work experience to help towards their CV.”

Skills Training UK’s Brighton centre has a positive environment for learners to grow and develop skills in communication, teamwork and employability as well as gain qualifications in English, maths and ICT.

Learners who attended the celebration were presented with certificates to acknowledge their progress, with some giving inspirational speeches on how Skills Training UK has helped to turn their lives around.

James Oxley, 22, recently secured a full-time volunteering position at Suffolk Beacon Trust following on from his traineeship with Skills Training UK.

James said: “Before I started at Skills Training UK I had few qualifications.

“I wanted to get my Level 2 in English and maths.

“Skills Training UK not only provided opportunities for me to get the qualifications I needed but also pointed out others that might be of interest.

“I now have additional certificates in health and safety and first aid and am very excited about my future career prospects.”