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North East gets in training for 2012

A £1million training programme to boost employment in the North East aims to help learners gain qualifications and provide them with the opportunity to volunteer at the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games.

Jonathan Edwards, Olympic triple jump gold medallist and world record holder, launched Personal Best this week at The Riverside - Durham County Cricket Club’s ground.

The programme will provide training in volunteering for up to 1,000 people across Northumberland, Tyne and Wear, County Durham and the Tees Valley.

The London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) has guaranteed graduates of Personal Best an interview for the Games-time Volunteer programme, due to be launched by next year.

Jonathan Edwards said: “When working towards a personal best, whether it be on the track or in the workplace, training is essential as it helps develop skills and strengths which will take you to the next level.

“For participants in the Personal Best programme, the legacy of the 2012 Games starts now as the scheme enables people to make positive life changes.”

The North East is the first UK region to launch Personal Best, following a successful pilot in London. It is being delivered in partnership by LSC North East, One North East (ONE) and LOCOG.

Those taking part in the programme will receive training towards an NVQ Level 1 qualification in Event Volunteering, which will cover subjects including equality and diversity, developing team skills, basic fire awareness and conflict resolution.

Chris Roberts, Regional Director, LSC North East, said: “Personal Best will harness the force of the 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games to engage people living in the North East who are out of work and socially excluded.

“It will transform the lives of those who are eligible to take part by providing a unique learning opportunity, which will raise confidence and aspiration and will act as a stepping stone to new employment opportunities, which is the ultimate aim of Personal Best.”

For more about Personal Best, go to www.personalbestprogramme.co.uk.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .