LOCAL ORGANISATION YouthTrain is greatly enhancing the prospects of young people in Wexford who leave school before completing the Junior or Leaving Certificates.

The centre, based at Whitemill Industrial Estate, is attended by young people aged 16-21 who are given the opportunity to develop a range of technical and practical skills in a setting which bears more resemblance to a workplace than educational institute.

Mixed-gender classes, comprised of no more than 12 young people each, work towards attaining Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) Level 3 and Level 4 awards.

Along the way, participants develop skills ranging from those pertaining to the culinary industry, information technologies and woodwork, to name just three disciplines.

The needs of employers are very much taken into consideration and communicated to participants.

Particular emphasis at the centre is placed on the hospitality and catering industry, given that it is of importance to Wexford and rewards people with drive and practical skills.

Manager Paul O’Brien and his team are acutely aware that while school retention rates in the county are generally good, there are some young people who will thrive in an alternative environment.

He would like to see the Junior Certificate award reformed in the way that was initially proposed, as it would place emphasis on group work which is important in almost any workplace.

For now, however, the YouthTrain team are working to help change perceptions in Irish society around young people and around community training centres such as YouthTrain.

“We would’ve often been referred to as ‘second chance’ education providers but I was always uncomfortable with that as it sounds like ‘second best’,” he said.

Those who attend YouthTrain have finished school education early for a variety of reasons, including having been asked to leave but also including reasons of being affected by bullying, anxiety and other pressures.

Read more in the Wexford Echo.