‘Get on Track’ programme gets young people into work and training

‘Get on Track group celebrate’ – The thirteen participants on the Rochdale Borough Get on Track programme celebrate their success congratulated by the Mayor of Rochdale, Councillor Peter Rush and elite athletes James Goddard, Sophie Cox and Charlotte Hartley

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Thirteen young people have been presented with certificates by the Mayor of Rochdale, Councillor Peter Rush, having successfully completed Rochdale Borough’s first ever ‘Get On Track’ Programme.

The ‘Get On Track’ scheme is a sixteen day sports participation programme that creates stepping stones for young people to move towards participation, volunteering, training and work opportunities. Sponsored by the Dame Kelly Holmes Legacy Trust, in partnership with the Department of Work and Pensions and GreaterSport, it targets young people aged 16-25 who are not in education, employment or training.

Sessions have been delivered by world class athletes Sophie Cox from the world of Judo, Charlotte Hartley, Hockey and James Goddard, Swimming, all of whom have experienced the highs and lows of being involved in the competitive world of sport.

Link4Life Chief Executive Gillian Bishop said: “We are delighted to be working with the Dame Kelly Holmes Legacy Trust to bring this programme here to the Rochdale Borough.

"It is an excellent scheme that enables young people to develop the self-discipline, motivation and confidence they need to improve their chances of finding a job.

"From having a general interest in sport these young people have developed the skills and insight they need to help guide their future career choices.”

Participants on the ‘Get on Track’ scheme have been able to secure certificates in various areas including Level 1 Sports Volunteering, Sports Leadership and Emergency First Aid. They have also been assisted in developing their job seeking skills including CV writing and interview techniques.

The programme is broken down into three phases starting with ‘On your marks’ which involves three days of teamwork, team challenges and physical activities to get the programme underway. ‘Get set’ then builds on the team spirit and camaraderie gained and provides the opportunity to try new sports and volunteering activities as well as the chance to visit potential local employers. The final part of the programme ‘Go’ gives candidates a chance to celebrate their successes in front of friends, family and those who have been a part of the programme along the way.

Programme co-ordinator for Link4Life, Julie Durrant spoke about the success of the young people taking part. “They have all done fantastically well”, she said. “Two have already found full-time employment, one has joined Link4Life’s casual employment register, five more are going on to take part in further training and five are being considered for apprenticeships.” Noting that two of the participants had become fathers during the course, she added: “Both these young men still maintained their commitment to the programme even though one of the babies was born on the day of the final awards ceremony.”

The Mayor, Councillor Rush added his congratulations: “I have very much enjoyed meeting this group and hearing about the Get on Track programme and what it involves. The young people have obviously thrown themselves fully into the experience and the opportunities that this has given them. It is particularly good to hear that everyone will be going on to some form of future training or employment and I wish them well.”

More information about the ‘Get on Track’ programme is available from Julie Durrant on 01706 926201 or 07976 059 514 and via email to julie.durrant@link4life.org 

Link4Life hopes to run additional courses in the new year.