DEBI helps enable ‘better lives’ through Skills Accreditation programme

The Flexible Workforce Development Fund has enabled Better Lives Partnership (BLP) to access training, provided by Borders College (@BordersCollege) Department of Enterprise and Business Innovation (DEBI), for their staff teams across their three Bridge to Employment (B2E) sites in Dumfries and Galloway. 

The Introduction to Assessment training that staff have undertaken has provided them with the skills required to offer additional Skills Accreditation units. This will enhance accredited training across a range of subject areas in a person-centred way, which will benefit Better Lives Together’s young autistic students on their Employability Programmes. 

Carolyn Kennedy, CEO at BLP said:

The Skills Accreditation Programme offers an additional level of competency and sits well within our existing accredited ASDAN Short Courses.” 

Karen O’Rourke, Team Officer at Bridge to Employment (B2E) – Wigtownshire commented:

“In Stranraer, we are really pleased to be able to offer some of our young people an interesting and different range of options. Our first Skills Accreditation Units are Small Animal Care, Health and Safety Awareness and Preparing a Sewing Machine for Use and these have been well-received!”

Anne McEwan, Team Officer at Bridge to Employment (B2E) – Stewartry said:

“The young people are enjoying exploring the different course options offered through the Skills Accreditation Programme. In Castle Douglas, we are doing the Budget Shopping unit and it is a nice way to explore shopping and making decisions with them.”

The DEBI are delighted to have been able to engage with Better Lives Together through the 2020/21 Flexible Workforce Development (Phase 2 SME) funding stream and look forward to developing future working relationships.