Young mum on career path thanks to new scheme

Kayleigh-Anne Clark is one of 12 young people from the area who are participating in a Lisburn employability programme run in part by the YMCA.

The 23-year-old celebrated completing the first stage of the Start programme on board the Belfast Barge last week.

The mother says that thanks to Start she could avail of their childcare facility. “I felt like I was being given a second chance to gain qualifications and make up for the opportunities I’d missed out on previously.

“I didn’t want to be unemployed for the rest of my life,” she said.

By taking part in Start, Kayleigh-Anne was given employability training, CV advice, along with participating in mock interviews.

“When I started the programme I made a promise to myself that I would try my hardest and gain as much from it as I possibly could, no matter what happened.

“I was able to gain 17 qualifications because they encourage us to learn while having fun. I’ve successfully gained a place on an apprenticeship peace programme offered through Youth Link and also volunteer with Lisburn YMCA to help build up some work experience,” revealed Kayleigh-Anne.

“After I complete the apprenticeship I plan to gain paid work in the youth sector, continually just keep building up my skills and hopefully create a good life for my daughter.”

Programme organisers say more than a third of the young participants involved with Start in Lisburn have since secured paid full-time or part-time work and a further six have moved into further education, training or voluntary work.

At Lisburn YMCA the young people achieved more than 60 qualifications between them.

Fiona McCormick, Youth Worker for Start at Lisburn YMCA, said Kayleigh-Anne was a “determined and motivated young woman who has completely grasped every opportunity offered to her”.

Start is a partnership programme delivered by Include Youth, Northern Ireland Alternatives, Lisburn YMCA, Youth Initiatives and Challenge for Youth.

Start is currently recruiting for phase two of the programme.

If you would like to find out more email [email protected] or phone Dearbhla Holohan, Start Programme Co-ordinator at Include Youth, on 028 9031 1007.