[T]HE FUTURE is bright for ten Copeland pupils as they graduate from a pioneering programme.
Ten pupils from the Energy Coast UTC have graduated from the Future Pathways programme run by Copeland Hub, and sponsored by Morgan Sindall.
The students have undertaken a ten-week programme which aims to prepare them for the future by teaching them skills through activities such as canoeing, rock climbing, bush craft and archery, alongside confidence building and team building exercises.
As part of the programme the students organised a citizenship day involving St James school pupils tidying up Brackenthwaite care home in Whitehaven. The group gathered together to pick litter, plant flowers, garden, bake cakes and repaint benches.
Copeland Hub is a partnership created by Copeland Borough Council and Cumbria Constabulary, and supported by the Police and Crime Commissioner, which works together with partner agencies to tackle anti-social behaviour and organise community projects.
The Hub has expanded its role from bringing agencies together to tackle issues, to proactively organising activities and projects for the benefit of the community. This includes the Future Pathways scheme.
A student from the programme said: “The point of the future pathways course was to give us the chance to do things we wouldn’t usually get the chance to do. But it has helped us with our confidence and has given us experiences that may go to help us in the world of work.”
Louise Coid, Copeland Hub Manager said: “It has been a pleasure to work with the students on their Future Pathways programme. We have seen their skills develop and grow, and hopefully we have opened their eyes to the options available to them. We wish them the best of luck for the future in whichever path they choose.”
Trudy Harrison, MP for Copeland said: “I never fail to be impressed by the local community and businesses joining together to support worthwhile projects such as this. I left school with one GCSE in cookery and while I am a strong advocate for sticking in and working hard at school it just shows what passion, determination and a positive attitude can do. Working with the local community is what inspires me most and I’d like to congratulate everyone who has received a certificate today. You’ve all done wonderfully so well done and if I can support you in any way in the future, whether it be with something in the local community or even a tour round the houses of parliament, do let me know.”
Peter McCall, Police Commissioner said: “I am delighted to support ‘Future Pathways’ and to be part of the graduation event and see the results of the students’ hard work come to fruition. I have made a commitment to support young people in our communities, and I know that it is only by working together with our partners and agencies that we can make a positive difference to these young people’s lives.”
Terry Bathgate, Superintendent, Cumbria Constabulary, said: “We are really keen to see that every student can reach their full potential in life. This programme is the start of a journey for these inspirational young people and it will support and allow them to meet their full aspirations.”
Gillian Johnston, Community Engagement Advisor, Morgan Sindall, said: “Morgan Sindall is committed to supporting the learning and development of young people in West Cumbria, and we are proud to be associated with the Future Pathways project. Working with the students on their programme has been an absolute pleasure. We look forward to following the progress of each of the students throughout the remainder of their educational journey.”
Andrew Beattie, Headteacher at St James C of E Junior school, said: “To see this type of cross generational work is superb. The St James’s pupils came back buzzing from the citizenship day. It’s important that we teach kids from an early age about supporting and working with the older generation and I would definitely get involved with the scheme again. The students were brilliant and a credit to the UTC.”
