QWEST Curriculum Contract

Descriptions

QWEST is a project funded by the European Union and led by the University of Wales, Newport, to help people who want to improve their learning and skills get back into work, or find their first job. We currently work in Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly, Torfaen, Rhondda Cynon Taf and Merthyr Tydfil. We are looking for agencies that can provide training from levels 1 to 4 in line with the 6 main subject areas of UHOVI (University of the Heads of the Valleys) and deliver this training to eligible QWEST participants across the Heads of the Valleys area. Typically, QWEST participants include people who have been unemployed for some time and who may encounter barriers to gaining employment e.g. low self esteem, caring responsibilities, low confidence, none or few qualifications and therefore are likely to require support over and above that of the mainstream student. Innovative strategies are required to engage with participants, many of whom may be based in more disadvantaged communities. In addition, QWEST promotes the role of volunteering so is seeking agencies to work alongside QWEST trained volunteers to assist participants fulfil their potential. The overall aim is to assist participants to progress into higher education or employment so QWEST is looking to work with agencies with established networks in these areas.