Bridges into Work is a European funded project working across six areas of South Wales – Rhondda Cynon Taff, Torfaen, Merthyr Tydfil, Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend and Caerphilly.
The aim of the project is to support local people to gain skills and confidence to enable them to move towards employment. Through the Bridges into Work project, those not in fulltime education, not working or working less than 16 hours will be offered guidance, training and support to help them into employment.
A wide range of courses including Confidence Building, Literacy and Numeracy skills, Personal Presentation Skills etc will be available to help gain new skills and qualifications. Additional support may be available to assist with Childcare and Travel expenses.
Success Stories
Gillian Davies
Gillian used to work in a factory until she was involved in a serious accident in 2003 which unfortunately left her unable to work for a number of years.
When she had recovered sufficiently to contemplate returning to work she decided that a change of career would be good. To that end she decided to return to learning and retrain in a different vocational area.
Gillian chose to enrol on a Diploma in Childcare and Education course but a bad experience in 2007 rocked her confidence and self esteem. Gillian says “I really wanted to gain a qualification, but had convinced myself I wasn't clever enough and the achievement was beyond my capabilities.” She reluctantly withdrew from the course but re-enrolled the following September and gained her level 2 Diploma.
Gillian’s journey received support from Bridges into Work when she decided to apply for the level 3 Support Teaching and Learning in Schools course. Her increasing confidence from completing the level 2 diploma was matched with an opportunity to progress and improve her chances of gaining sustained employment with an industry recognised qualification.
Gillian progressed through the course at her own pace and gradually, with the support and guidance of her tutor, her confidence grew further. Her tutor says that “Gillian was always highly motivated and acted on the advice and guidance she was given in a positive way. She ensured that her course work was delivered on time and her assignments were produced to a very high standard. I am confident that this is the reason for her current and future success ”.
Gillian has achieved her level 3 Award and is a very confident practitioner, successfully securing employment at the school where she did her placement.
Nearing the end of the two year course Gillian commented “I would never have imagined I would get this far”.
Emma Davies
Emma has a sad background. She lives in Hendredenny, Caerphilly with her husband and two sons. One son was tragically killed in a road traffic accident some time ago.
Since then, Emma has been plagued with ill health, having suffered a massive heart attack.
Subsequently, she was advised that she could not return to her job as an Activity Manager in a Care Home as she was not fit enough at the time.
After some at home, she decided to try and pursue a different career route and enrolled on the “Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools” course, which was supported by the ESF Bridges into Work Project.
Emma said at the time “It suited me and was better for my gradual engagement with education as it was part time. I have always wanted to work with children, and am thoroughly enjoying the course.”
When Emma chose her placement experience at Hendredenny Park school, she said it was because” my children attended the school and the staff were aware of my personal circumstances”.
Emma worked extremely hard; never missed her lessons in Rhydyfelin campus and always submitting assignments on time. During the classroom sessions, she also supported the other learners by helping them with their work.
Unfortunately, as she was completing the course she was subjected to a vicious personal attack and was in hospital for a while.
Although she lost some of her confidence, she resolved not to let this affect her performance or prevent her from completing the course. Her tutor discussed and agreed with Emma that “as soon as she was able, observations in the classroom would continue”.
Emma’s grit and determination shone through, successfully completing her placement as an outstanding teaching assistant. The staff at the school commented on “what an inspiration Emma was to both staff and the children, and would continue to be an asset to whichever school she worked in.”
Emma’s tutor concluded “she truly deserves this achievement”.
Level 3 Diploma in Specialist Support for Teaching and Learning in schools.
Jacqueline Farminer
Course co-ordinator /Tutor/Assessor
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