/ Schools - Post 16
   Entry to Employment - e2e

Format: A series of half day motivational workshops

Brief
To design and deliver a programme of workshops for Tyne and Wear Learning and Skills Council to engage with learners on the Life Skills programme (later changed to e2e) The workshops will compliment core areas of the e2e curriculum providing an alternative way of working that will build self esteem and confidence as well as motivate the young people to progress. There should be an element of relevant social issues within the content such as sexual health, binge drinking and careers advice.

e2e (entry to employment) is aimed at young people aged 16-18 who are not participating in any form of post-16 learning. It is designed to help them to develop their motivation, confidence, personal effectiveness, basic and key skills, and to give them a range of opportunities to gain vocational knowledge, skills and understanding.
The prospectus for the Entry to Employment Learning Framework - Appendix 4

Methodology
Based on Gibber’s experience of working with excluded groups, four interactive workshops were developed:

Workshop 1 – Confidence and motivation
What Makes Me Tick explores the notion of ambitions and dreams, centred around Shaun Strange a stereotypical disaffected seventeen year old we challenge young people to observe themselves and recognise their own potential barriers to progression.Through the use of short humorous sketches, interactive exercises, group discussions and role play, young people are inspired to consider realistic and achievable future goals.

Workshop 2 – Binge drinking & Antisocial behaviour
Research suggests that young people ‘binge drink’ for many reasons. Can’t Get Off examines these influences and identifies the immediate negative effects that alcohol can have on a young person’s health and behaviours. Using interactive drama techniques we examine how alcohol effects the way in which our brain works and how it might contribute to risk related behaviour. Highlighting the consequences of alcohol related anti-social behaviour we debate the severity of alcohol related crimes with a focus on personal safety.

Workshop 3 – Sexual Health
In Girlfriend, Boyfriend we examine the heterosexual model of sexuality and considered how stereotyping effects our understanding of the diversity of relationships.

We address the gender-bias and double standard attached to sexual experience: a male who is sexually active and carries condoms is seen as a stud, somebody worthy of respect. A female who does the same is often frowned upon and is considered ‘easy’. Aware of this we provide assertive role models within the workshop who discuss the pressures to be sexually active, the choices young people have and risk related behaviour associated with STI’s.

Workshop 4 – Progression Routes, Communication & Employability Skills
Your Life Your Future considers both academic and vocational progression routes and how best to present yourself for job interview. With an emphasis on how to interact with other people this workshop focuses on communication skills. We provide specific strategies on Employability Skills which includes interview technique, awareness of body language and making a good first impression. Employer Expectations - understanding the very least that would be expected of you and Good Working Relationships, how to get on in a team.

Results
Evaluation identifies that the majority of learners found the workshops a different, enjoyable and informative method of learning. 98% of learners agreed that the workshop was a good way of learning. Many cited that they had learned something new highlighting subjects such as safe sex, crime, decision making and how to communicate with people better. The sketches and games proved to be the most popular elements of the workshops, followed by group discussions.

“Really good, made me learn about stuff I thought I already knew.”
“I really enjoyed gibber and it taught me to stay positive.”
“It was a good laugh and a good way of learning, made a change from normal training.”

100% of learning providers questioned stated that the workshops are a valuable resource and would like to see them continue.

“It was very informative regarding issues relating to the development of the young learners and helped reiterate the citizenship sessions that are currently delivered.”
“The session really made the young people listen and take part.”
“Rapport with learners was excellent, messages and advice was put across in a great way.”

The workshops effectively explored how best to make the most of the e2e programme, challenge negativity, raise aspirations and empower the learners to make the most of their individual potential.

Basic skills
All the workshops are an excellent way of improving communication and working with others as well as problem solving and effective thinking. Vocational development, workshops one and three explore potential barriers to progression, emphasising Employability Skills and Progression routes.

This programme has been delivered to e2e learners across Tyne & Wear since 2001.

A full evaluation is available on request.