STEP

What is STEP and what is it trying to achieve?

STEP is one of YMCA Ireland's longest running programmes since it was first piloted in Cork YMCA in 1988. The programme runs in Letterkenny, Dublin City Centre, Cork City Centre, Cobh and Ballincollig. It is a full-time course with a training allowance for 17-25 year olds who have left school with few or no qualifications.

It offers a QQI Level 4 Award and a full ECDL that opens up many pathways for work, college and apprenticeships. In delivery STEP has successfully used Google Classroom as a Learning Management System right through to the point of QQI certification.

The aims of the programme are to build confidence, gain qualifications and help learners move onto further education, apprenticeships or employment.

STEP is an amazing opportunity for young people to discover more about themselves and their career ambitions, along with growing in confidence and making new friends.

What were some of the outcomes for participants during the year?

For young people who complete 75% of the course, almost nine out of ten of them progress on to further education, training or employment.

Some of the feedback from participants included:

“STEP helped get me back into some form of routine and increased my confidence”

“STEP gave me time, guidance and a better understanding of myself”

“STEP helped me figure out what I want to do next”

“STEP helped me develop my confidence and they inspired me to go back to college”

“STEP has helped be be more confident in myself...[it] kept me going and it has helped me with my future career and given me a second chance to have an education”

Over 96% of the learners rated the programme from 7-10 on a scale of 1-10 with 1 being poor and 10 being excellent. This gives overwhelmingly positive feedback on the work being carried out.

YMCA STEP strives to develop best practices and continuous improvements in the area of early school leaver provision and remains at the forefront of delivering vocational training using youthwork methodology.

Certification

Of those that received certification, just over 55% received the full level 4 QQI Award.

Note: Learners also achieved additional certification in First Aid, Active Leadership, Gaisce and additional ECDL Modules.

Certification is a key progression indicator for the programme and encouraged at all levels. QQI Level 4 provides a good basis to progress onto PLC programmes and employment.