QWEST is a multi- million pound European funded convergence project, led by the University of South Wales, and is delighted to have received approval from the Welsh European Funding Office to extend its operation from July 2012 to August 2014, and to add the local authorities of Merthyr Tydfil and Rhondda Cynon Taf, to its prior remit of Caerphilly, Torfaen and Blaenau Gwent.
The project aims to provide free learning and support opportunities for economically inactive people enabling them to gain access to the labour market by improving their confidence and skills. QWEST will now span the Heads of the Valley’s area, providing underpinning opportunities from non accredited learning through to level 4 in the subject categories of:
• Community & Third Sector (which includes a bespoke Volunteer training programme which is the first in Wales to be awarded ‘Professional Approval’ from the Sector’s Education and Training Standards committee)
• Creative Industries, Art & Culture
• Technology, Engineering and Science
• Sport & Leisure
• Public Sector Health & Education
• Business Development
Deputy Minister for European Programmes, Alun Davies, said:
“We are committed to providing the right support and training to move economically inactive and unemployed individuals into sustainable employment. I am pleased we have been able to back this initiative with further EU funds to ensure more people benefit and access services to improve their job prospects and future prosperity.”
The project is founded on Community Development principles and further benefits participants by arranging work experience placements, offering volunteering opportunities, buddying support and enabling them to progress onto the Foundation Degree programme offered by UHOVI.
For more information contact QWEST on (01495) 356712 or e-mail qwest@southwales.co.uk
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QWEST Management Team Contact Details