The scheme that works... (From Warrington Guardian)

The scheme that works...

A LONG summer of waiting may be over for the thousands of mid Cheshire teenagers who have been anxiously pacing the floor in anticipation of their exam results but now the hard work is really about to start.

It is time for young people to seriously think about what they want to do and to make sure their first steps into the future are confident strides.

But help is at hand for people who do not know how to start on the career ladder.

Connexions Cheshire and Warrington aims to forge links between 13 to 19-year-olds, employers and training providers to give young people the best start in life.

Lyn Hamlett, area manager, said: "Now is the time to really focus on an intense job search - it's not going to just fall into your lap.

"But Connexions is here to help and we're completely focussed on young people.

"We're a free service and we help with CVs, interview skills and help young people to target employers."

She added: "We help young people reach their potential and reduce the number not in education, employment or training."

Connexions personal advisors work with teenagers in schools, colleges and within the community, and there are centres on Witton Street, Northwich, and Queens Parade, Winsford.

Connexions also works with employers and can offer them recruitment and training advice as well as a free vacancy line service matching the right job seeker with the right vacancy.

Staff can also arrange motivational work placements one or two days a week for Year 10 and 11 pupils who may be struggling to complete their education at school, which has proved successful in giving youngsters new skills and enthusiasm for working life.

Lyn said: "We've been doing this for about three years and it's hugely successful.

"We've found a massive change in people and schools say attendance shoots up.

"Some people struggle through school and this really does help - schools have been very positive about it and massive amounts of people do get jobs."

She added: "We've got a dedicated team who all go the extra mile and really do care."

l For more information, visit the Connexions website at www.connexions-cw.co.uk, ring freephone number 0800 980 9877 or drop in at one of the offices.