Last updated 15:43, Wednesday, 19 November 2008

FOB watches, pen sets and personal organisers were among the tokens presented to West Cumbrian teenagers at Rathbone training centre on October 31.

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Emma Robinson accepts her award in Health & Social Care

The learners were recognised for their educational achievements at the ceremony at the Stoneleigh House training centre, Park End Road, Workington.

Teenagers newly qualified in construction, health and social care, child care and administration were presented with the certificates and tokens by Workington MP Tony Cunningham.

He said: “These young people are already part of a very exciting time for West Cumbria with all the developments in training, skills and further education. They have all worked very hard to achieve their qualifications and are true examples of young people with aspirations, striving to be the best they can be.”

EMMA, from Maryport was given a fob watch along with her NVQ certificate in health and social care. She said: “Training here at Rathbone’s has been really good. It’s not been easy but our training advisors have been really supportive. The NVQ course means you can work at your own pace and the ceremony was a nice way to celebrate our success.

“I have always wanted to get into health and social care ever since my gran was ill.”

KERSLIE, from Whitehaven received a certificate of recognition for his hard work during his NVQ in health and social care. He said: “My interest in health and social care started when I began voluntary work in the sector when I was in Year 10. I continued with it for two years and thoroughly enjoyed it.

“I would love to work in a care home with older people in the future.

Kerslie was the only male trainee on the course. “The course has been great and to help with my training I received a weekly wage of £90 per week through Cumbria County Council sponsorship.”

JADE, from Whitehaven is already working with care agency Jemcare, and said the course attracted her to train through Rathbone. “I wouldn’t have been able to do it without the support of the training advisors. They’ve been brilliant. At the moment I’m in general nursing but I’m looking forward to starting a nursing course with the University of Cumbria next March.”

MIKALA, from Whitehaven is currently working at Distington’s Harriet’s Care Centre and is thoroughly enjoying her time there. She said: “I love working in care and really enjoyed my course with Rathbone. The awards ceremony was a nice recognition for our hard work during the course and it was nice for our family and friends to come along as well.

“I’m going to continue studying and I’ll be taking the next level – an NVQ 3 at Lakes College.”

EMMA, from Maryport said: “I came to study with Rathbone after Lakes College and my trainer, Pam, has been excellent.

“I’m now working for Copeland Occupational and Social Care at the Maryport centre. We work with people with physical disabilities aged between 18 to 65 so there’s a broad range of skills I have to use in my job. It keeps it interesting.”