Warwickshire News Mine

More than 20 students of all ages will receive the awards for the Personal Presentation Skills module of the Edexcel Certificate in Skills for Working Life.

The certificates will be jointly awarded by the Mayor of Nuneaton and Bedworth, Councillor Julie Jackson, and Councillor Adrian Edgington, the Mayor of North Warwickshire, at a special ceremony at Nuneaton’s Council Chamber on Thursday 11 January.

The students have been studying through Hereward College, the national integrated college for disabled students in Coventry, which has linked up with Aim 4 – a Community Placement Unit for adults with learning disabilities who live in Bedworth, Nuneaton and outlying areas.

Aim 4, part of Warwickshire County Council’s Adult, Health and Community Services, offers support and encouragement to adults with learning disabilities to take a full and active part in training, employment and community life.

Last year was the first time that Hereward College had worked in partnership with Aim 4 on an outreach project which proved so successful it has led to further courses being offered this year.

Courses on offer this year include Food Hygiene and Food Preparation, Money Management, and an Introduction to Skills for Work.

Angela Gildea, basic skills lecturer at Hereward College, said: “As part of the money management module we have been working in partnership with Nuneaton Credit Union with the aim of opening a Credit Union Collection point within Aim 4 for the use of service-users and staff.

“The money management group are currently undergoing training to enable them to eventually become involved in the running of the collection point.  The collection point should be up and running early next year.”

Annette Skermer, manager of Attleborough-based Aim 4, is delighted with the success of the partnership with Hereward College.

She said: “Both organisations recognise that adults with learning disabilities have the right to choice and equal opportunities in employment.

“The students who have taken part in the courses have learnt and achieved so much, not just in terms of a qualification but in confidence and self-esteem as well, and we are very proud of them.”

Link to WCC