Smart Choices Plus (Carole Hands and Sarah Washington)

This employability skills programme is designed to support young people who may have difficulty moving into a positive destination when they leave school.
The Year 11 students receive weekly motivational and teamwork sessions and also support with the completion of application forms & CVs. The students take part in practice interviews and visits to training providers, employers and colleges to extend their knowledge of the world of work. Part of the programme involves each student attending a work placement for one or two days per week in the vocational area of their choice, where initial support, monitoring and reviews are carried out by the Project Officer.

Wherever possible the student will work towards appropriate NVQ units or ASDAN Qualifications. The programme is currently offered to students who reside in the New Deal footprint but with suitable funding could be made available to any students in the borough.

Walsall EBP is supported by Black Country Learning and Skills Council, European Social Fund, Walsall Council, Walsall Strategic Partnership and Walsall Housing Group.