Hoople Training and Education recently celebrated the achievements of its Foundation Learning group at a barbecue and awards event held at the company’s Churchill House Training Centre, attended by the learners and their families.

The Foundation Learning programme is a pre-apprenticeship programme for young people aged 16-19 (or up to age 25 if they have a learning difficulty or disability). Learners spent two or three days of each week on work placement, with the remainder of their time at the Hoople Training Centre working towards qualifications in their chosen subject area, improving their maths and English skills and developing employability skills, such as interview techniques, completing job applications, effective communication and team working.

As part of their year long programme, the group also undertook a range of ‘enrichment activities’ which included fundraising for their chosen charity, Help for Heroes. Activities included cake sales and a ‘Superhero’ day, resulting in a total of over £150 to donate to the charity.

The celebration barbecue was attended by Clive Lee, Volunteer Local Coordinator, Herefordshire, and Jacqui Hayler, Volunteer at Help for Heroes. On receiving the donation Mr Lee said: “Thank you very much for your donation. We are extremely grateful for your efforts.”

After the barbecue, each learner was presented with an award certificate from Hoople’s Foundation Programme Lead Tutor, Lee Furnell, and Teaching Assistant, Zoe Short. Lee Furnell said: “The Foundation Learners have worked very hard this year to raise monies for Help for Heroes. They have gained experience in planning events and being able to budget for different activities. They have learnt many new transferable skills that will support them with future employment.

“I would also like to thank Morrisons in Hereford as they very kindly donated goods for the barbecue.”

The next cohort of Foundation Learning students will begin their programmes in September. For further information, please contact 01432 383500 or email: [email protected].