Youth Vocation

The Vocational Training Programmes in the Cork region consists of the STEP and ELEVATE projects. These programmes identify the needs of the learner through individual learning plans and promote growth by offering training and development activities including one to one support. STEP is an educational programme funded by the CETB (Cork Educational and Training Board) to help re-engage with young people who have left school early. ELEVATE is a special category rehabilitation scheme which is funded by the DEASP (Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection). The young person on this programme is committed to their recovery from drugs and alcohol and has a strong determination to change their path in life.

Participants attending the Training and Vocational Programmes

The Total Number of participants attending vocational training programmes in 2019/2020 in the Cork Region is 45. A total of 29 attending the STEP programme with 13 attending STEP Cork and 16 attending STEP Cobh. There were 16 participants in total attending the ELEVATE project in Cork City.

Of the 45 participants 32 were male and 13 female. As can be seen in chart 2 below the ratio of males attending the STEP and ELEVATE programs is much higher.

Of the 45 young people that attended the YMCA for vocational training in 2019/2020 there were 21 completions, 8 dropped out or finished early and 16 returned to the YMCA for a second year. The ELEVATE project runs over a 2 year period and 10 participants returned to complete the second year. It was decided that 5 young people return to the STEP Cork programme in an attempt to improve their confidence and allow them to continue with unfinished QQI modules as some started late into the 2019 programme. 1 young person who dropped out of STEP Cobh in 2019 returned this September 2020 after a year long deferral.

The dropout rate is made up of a variety of different factors; The transition from in person work to remote online work as a result of Covid 19 proved too difficult for some STEP participants and as a result were unable to complete the course fully. 3 young people left to take up employment and the remaining 3 young people left due to unmanageable behaviours within the service.

Chart 1. Number of participants attending Vocational Programmes 2019/2020

Chart 2. The Ratio of Males and Females 2019/2020

Outputs

The Vocational Training Programmes in the Cork region achieved 53 QQI minor Awards. Each module delivered is outlined in Chart 3.

There were a total of 11 full QQI major awards achieved in Employment Skills, 6 in STEP Cork and 5 in STEP Cobh. All of the QQI major and minor awards were achieved during the lockdown restrictions of Covid 19. During this time the tutors and the participants had to adapt rapidly to online learning moving away from the traditional face to face classroom methods.

Other training activities achieved in the ELEVATE project included: ECDL, RTITB Forklift Driving, Safe Pass, Fire Safety and Manual Handling.

While there are QQI modules to be completed; the curriculum is designed around a young person's needs as much as possible. Personal Development is recognised as an important element of all training programmes offered. On the STEP programme each young person is offered specific one to one sessions including ILP (Individual Learning Plans), U connect sessions, BKSB and Outcome Stars. A care plan is developed for each ELEVATE participant, a case manager is appointed and each participant is linked to a community drugs and alcohol worker and an individual learning plan is devised to reach educational and personal goals. In 2019/2020 the Vocational Training programmes have connected with other departments including counselling within the YMCA and these links have proven invaluable in terms of additional support.

Measure of the Need

The young people who attend the YMCA vocational training programmes are marginalised, educationally, financially and socially. The STEP and ELEVATE participants faced huge disadvantages while working remotely due to chaotic and dysfunctional living environments. At least 5 young people attending STEP have been involved in the care system and at least 3 attending ELEVATE have presented as homeless. The majority of the young people have left school early with no formal training and present with high educational needs and levels of stress.

User Perspectives

Based on evaluations carried out the young people reported the following improvements:

  • An increase in confidence, self esteem and self worth

  • Improved social skills

  • Enhanced career development skills, portfolios and qualifications

  • Increased resilience to deal with life issues

  • Reduced levels of anxiety

  • The young people have highlighted their need for the service, set routine and YMCA support

Highlights from Oct 2019 to Oct 2020

How the young people and tutors adapted to working remotely online and achieved 11 major QQI awards and 53 minor QQI awards during this time. Each major award is made up of 8 minor awards and is the equivalent of a leaving certificate.

Christmas Dinner 2019 was prepared by STEP participants and staff for those attending the ELEVATE project and other departments in the YMCA.

National Award achieved for an ELEVATE participant who created a sound production piece called ‘Abandoned Buildings’ in conjunction with the Youth Information department.

STEAM Youth Work Residency Grant Scheme awarded to STEP Cobh by the National Youth Council of Ireland.

Connections with nature on an overnight camping trip to Drimoleague for STEP participants.

Challenges from Oct 2019 to Oct 2020

The onset of Covid 19 created a huge challenge for the Vocational Training Programmes. It resulted in online remote learning and involved huge preparation and planning to ensure the safe re-opening of the buildings in September 2020.

The funding for the STEP project remained uncertain and resulted in the loss of experienced team members.

Some students were unable to adapt to remote learning, many faced difficulties within the home such as isolation and became more ‘at risk’ to relapse.

The end of year STEP graduation was not celebrated.

Output tools - BKSB and outcome stars were not effective in 2019/ 2020 as they were not completed in full.

New Horizons 2021

There is a lot to look forward to in 2021 for Vocational and Training programmes. The STEP programme is undergoing a period of change which will allow for the development of a new curriculum and structure in line with the proposed Service Level Agreement. A full programme evaluation is to be held for STEP and ELEVATE to ensure that a high quality service meets the client educational and personal goals. There will be enhanced Quality Assurance for all QQI modules delivered with the agreement of the YMCA to operate under the ETB quality policies.

A Health / Outdoor module and a free choice module is to be included in the programme structure.