Youth Gateway Centre
A state-of-the art new centre for young people in Cardiff and the Vale Of Glamorgan was recently opened by the Deputy Assembly Minister For Skills, John Griffiths.
The Youth Gateway Centre, run by Careers Wales, has moved to a newly renovated building at 33 Charles Street in Cardiff's city centre.
Youth Gateway is aimed at young people aged 16-18 who have left school and need help with their next steps, whether it’s finding a job, applying for work-based training or returning to education.
Callie Hawkins, 17, from Grangetown in Cardiff has been using the service for over a year.
After seeing a Youth Gateway adviser, Callie explained that she had always had an interest in mechanics. With help from Youth Gateway, Callie has since enrolled on a mechanics training course, and is studying for an NVQ Level 2 in tyre fitting.
Also at the launch was Steven Standing, 17, who has been using the Youth Gateway centre for more than a year. Through help from Youth Gateway, Steven is now undertaking a course in catering with ACT Training and hopes one day to become a chef.
Sammi-Jo Escott, 17, also met the Minister at the launch and talked to him about her experiences with Youth Gateway. Sammi-Jo was referred to Youth Gateway at 16, and received help with housing benefit applications, as well as help securing a placement at a top Cardiff hairdresser, where she is now training and studying for an NVQ.
