Last updated at 16:27, Friday, 22 March 2013

BARROW AFC’s community arm has entered the fight to get young people into work by joining forces with the Furness College-based Prince’s Trust Team.

The new partnership, between the trust and the Barrow AFC Community Board, aims to offer young unemployed adults, aged between 16 and 25, the basic work skills to prepare them for working life or further education.

Many of the activities held during the 12-week course are taking place at Barrow’s Bluebird Study Centre, with Jobseeker’s Allowance claimants learning a host of skills by completing projects, work experience placements – possibly at Barrow AFC – and giving presentations. Three out of the trust’s six courses this year will involve the study centre, while the first wave of enrollers are well into their allotted study period. As well as helping to create the workers of tomorrow, Barrow will also directly benefit from the scheme, including financially, as they will pocket a centre hiring charge of around £1,500 for each training programme they host.

Meanwhile, the current batch of students have already got their hands dirty by sprucing up areas of Holker Street with a lick of paint, including a stand, dug-outs and the club shop.

Rob Cairns, chairman of the Barrow AFC Community Board, said: “The students seem to love it here and this is one of the first steps towards making Barrow one of the foremost community football clubs in the country.

“The trust runs test courses throughout the year, and they hope to run more of them from our study centre, which is great for the club.

“I hope that this is just the start of a long-term relationship between the club, Furness College and the Prince’s Trust.’’

The course offers other practical advice including CV clinics, mock interview practice, the submission of drug and alcohol information, plus money management tips. Students are also treated to a one-week residential placement.

Anne Brockbank, the Prince’s Trust team leader, said: “We are extremely grateful for the support given to us by Keith Allen (Barrow AFC director) and Rob Cairns and we look forward to continued relationships.”

For more details call 01229 813700.

First published at 16:04, Friday, 22 March 2013
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk