Helping Young People Case Study

Conwy Employment Hub was approached by the TRAC project to support a group of 15 teenagers from Ysgol Dyffryn Conwy through a bespoke training course designed to equip them with lifelong skills and a clear route into further training or employment.

The young people, all aged between 15 and 16, had been attending school but were disengaged from lessons. When this was brought to the attention of Elliw Jones, TRAC’s well-being worker at the school, she recognised the urgent need for a meaningful intervention.

Elliw explained: “There’s a common misconception about pupils who don’t attend lessons – people assume they’re lazy or misbehaving. That couldn’t be further from the truth in this case. All 15 come from rural, agricultural backgrounds. They’re up at 5am to help on the farm, head to school, and return to work again as soon as school finishes. For them, farming is a way of life – and often seen as more valuable than education.”

Knowing that the Hub had secured funding to deliver a Young People’s Engagement Employability Project, Elliw contacted Lyndsay Edwards, Engagement Officer at the Hub, to develop a course that would give these teenagers practical qualifications relevant to their lives and futures.

Working in partnership with WOW Training, the Hub delivered a three-day tailored Construction course at Llanrwst Library. The course introduced the group to the construction industry and included training and tests in Asbestos Awareness, Ladder Safety, Working at Heights, Manual Handling, Health and Safety, and the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS). For those interested, there was also the opportunity to take a tractor driving test.

Lyndsay said: “When we presented the idea to the group, the enthusiasm was immediate – all 15 wanted to take part. But we set one clear condition: they had to continue attending school and engage with their lessons. I’m pleased to say they fully committed. Their attitude was fantastic, and it was a pleasure to see how eager they were to learn practical skills they could use. All 15 achieved their certificates, and three passed their tractor test, with another six booked in once they turn 16.”

To round off the experience, the group visited GYG Karting at Glan Y Gors Park, Cerrigydrudion, where they enjoyed team-building challenges, a few fun laps around the track, and a behind-the-scenes look at how the business operates and the job opportunities it offers. Ashley Davies, Director of GYG Karting, was so impressed by Dylan Cai Davies – who won every challenge and showed genuine interest – that he offered him a part-time job that would fit around his land-based engineering college course.

Elliw reflected on the impact: “This course was a turning point for these young people. It gave them a reason to re-engage and think about their futures. Thirteen have now enrolled at college, and two have already secured jobs – an outstanding result. Their parents are incredibly grateful to TRAC and Conwy Employment Hub for giving their teenagers this opportunity.”

Libby Duo, Strategic Manager at Conwy Employment Hub, added: “This collaboration with TRAC highlights the importance of early intervention when students begin to disengage from education. We’re so proud of all 15 – they’ve shown what’s possible with the right support and opportunity. We wish them every success moving forward.”