CSV's Volunteer and Training Centre, which opened in Blyth in 1998, helps young people and adults, particularly those with special or different needs, to progress and achieve in education and the workplace, helping them build confidence and develop personal and work skills at the same time.

It works closely with key partners such as Jobcentre Plus, Learning and Skills Council, Care Trusts, local schools, colleges, other training providers and of course local employers. Its expertise enables us to develop and deliver a wide range of programmes for young people and adults who may find it harder to access mainstream provision, which is a key growth area and allows us to build upon the knowledge and experience we have already gained.

Alternative Curriculum: For 14 to 16 year olds at risk of exclusion from mainstream education. A collection of programmes which include: Youth Reach, Youth Futures and Media Magic that are designed to improve social and employability skills such as equality and diversity, communication, teambuilding and leadership. Young people are encouraged to identify and develop their positive qualities and skills to help them re-engage with mainstream education and the wider community.

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Entry to Employment (e2e): For 16 to 18 year olds and aimed at young people who are not participating in any form of post-16 learning. The aim is to support the young person to develop their personal, social and essential skills to enable them to progress to further education, training or employment.

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New Deal: A range of programme to support unemployed people back into work, where participants are offered a variety of options to choose from to gain new skills and experience in order to create better work opportunities. A specific develpment plan that is right for each participant is put in place which enables them to gain support in career development and employment training, including job search techniques during a 13 week programme. Personalised support is given to compile an effective C.V. and practice interview skills. In addition, we secure each participant a work placement in local voluntary, public and private sector organisations, to gain work experience.

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Spruce: A programme that has been developed by CSV to engage and motivate learners (aged 16+) who are economically inactive and estranged from mainstream education and the employment market. It is a bespoke programme to develop learner’s confidence, skills and knowledge and importantly provide a learning experience to match their needs and aspirations. Learners are encouraged to build self-esteem, gain ICT, vocational, environmental, employability and skills for life. As with all CSV programmes, Spruce is flexible and based on the needs of the individual.

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Train to Gain: The service delivers Level 2 National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ) in Business Administration, ICT, Customer Service, Retail, Health and Social Care and Basic Skills up to Level 2 throughout the North East. NVQs allow employees to demonstrate skills, knowledge and competence against nationally agreed standards. Training and support is provided where a Tutor will visit the workplace at least once a month to support learners to compile a portfolio of evidence and undertake workplace observations to demonstrate the agreed standards.

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