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30 Aug 2006 11:38:08
A group of job-seekers from Luton are celebrating after being helped back into employment and higher education by the University of Bedfordshire. Last Friday (18 August), 27 students who completed the Passport to Academic Life (PAL) project, attended a ceremony at the University’s Putteridge Bury campus in Luton where they were awarded Higher Education certificates, a nationally recognised qualification.
The PAL project is funded by the Higher Education European Social Fund (HEESF) and offers free part-time study to mature job seekers to help them back into education and then into employment.
Several students have already returned to employment and others are due to begin full-time degree courses at the University, thanks to their success on the course.
John Sentinella, PAL Project Manager, said: “The awards ceremony sends out a strong message to all those who aspire to reach their potential, particularly as all the students on the project do not have traditional university entrance qualifications. This reflects the University’s commitment to delivering the Government’s widening participation policy.”
Over two semesters, students
can study a range of subjects
including Business, Psychology, Computing, Health and Social Care, Media, Law,
Sport and English Language. The aim of
the project is to increase delegates’ skills, knowledge and overall
employability.
Councillor Richard Stay, Deputy Leader of Bedfordshire County Councillor, presented the awards with Vice Chancellor Professor Les Ebdon. He said: “This excellent programme has transformed the lives of the people on this scheme and it’s very rewarding to see them with their certificates. All the students have now enhanced their employability, which will have a positive impact on the town and the county.”
Zamzam Ibrahim, 26, from New Town in Luton, completed the PAL course and is starting a degree in Health and Social Care at the University in September.
She said: “The support I received was superb and the lecturers are very approachable. This makes a big difference when you haven’t been to college or university before. During my time on the project my confidence has not only increased, but my writing skills have significantly improved, and I have been given the opportunity to achieve a degree and eventually pursue a professional career."
Further details about the PAL project can be found at www.beds.ac.uk/knowledgehub or by calling the PAL team on 01582 743749.
Latest news» 2006» Aug» Job-seekers get passport to employment thanks to Uni PAL
