New Team Challenge for Wirral youngsters

Mar 2 2011 by Jane Clare, Heswall News

TWELVE Wirral youngsters are the first to take part in a new initiative which could change their lives.

The first Team Challenge– a two-week programme aimed at 16-18-year-olds – began at Wirral Metropolitan College yesterday.

Over the next few days they will take part in a range of activities.

The Wirral News exclusively revealed the initiative, which has been developed after close discussions between the News and the college.

Wirral Met’s assistant principal, Sue Higginson, said: “We are all really excited about this.

“As long as there are people wanting to be involved we will be there to support them.

When the new scheme was revealed, Sue said: “Team Challenge is all about Wirral’s young people having a chance to find out about themselves, what they want to do with their lives.

“They will be introduced to some amazing opportunities in a fun environment but, throughout it all, the college will be leading them on a voyage of discovery to give them a taste of the many and varied options that can lead to success in life.

“For some, it could lead to further education or training; for others, it could lead to a job or apprenticeship they have dreamed of.”

The Learning and Skills Improvement Service is closely following the initiative and will be using it as a case study nationally.

The first set of 12 youngsters were yesterday set to take part an orienteering challenge, to encourage team-building.

Jane Clare, Wirral News executive editor said: “It is fantastic that after months of discussing the initiative with Wirral Met, this plan to help young people has finally come to fruition.

“It is very satisfying to know that, together with Wirral Met, Wirral News is actively trying to make a difference for youngsters.”

The series of two-week programmes will consist of three days each week, five hours each day, with each day offering a range of activities. Travel passes, as applicable, and lunch will be provided.

They will be able to take part in Wirral Met CSI, finding out about crime scenes and forensics, join in Art Attack with the college’s art tutors and see how the Style Challenge day offers opportunities in hairdressing and beauty.

Construction Challenge will be all about the building industry, Young Chefs will showcase what’s cooking in the college kitchen and there will also be a chance to learn about IT with interactive games.

Team Challenge will end with Hold the Front Page, an activity designed for young delegates to collate their stories about their experiences on the programme.

To find out more about the initiative, ring Wirral Met College on 0151 551 7777 and ask to speak to a Team Challenge Student Adviser.