A group of Coventry Job Seekers received their certificates during a ceremony at City College Coventry after completing a brand new course. The eight week National Voluntary Training Pathfinder programme is designed to increase skills in various aspects of Hospitality and Catering.

The ceremony involved Gaynor Smith and Jacquie Hatfield from Jobcentre Plus, Dean Marjoram of the Learning and Skills Council and Paul Taylor the Principal of City College Coventry.

Paul Taylor Principal said, "We are very proud of these learners and the work they have done. They are part of a brand new programme and we are delighted that a number of students are planning to return for future study."

Dean Marjoram, "I am really pleased to be here to present these certificates. The Pathfinder programme is about undertaking training for eight weeks to enable you to move into employment. Congratulations on your achievement and thank you for being involved. We look forward to rolling this out on a national basis."

The programme consisted of class room learning and practical work in the college's catering outlets, for which the group received Food Hygiene Certificates and Certificates of Attendance.

Sharon Poynton one of the learners said, "I have worked in a number of management and catering roles and have been unemployed on and off due to periodic contracts for several months now. The course has been excellent. I am 45 and haven't been into an education environment since I was 15. I was daunted by the prospect of 'learning' again but I needn't have worried.

The teachers have been brilliant. I didn't feel like I was being 'spoken at' in lessons. Because we were all involved and felt comfortable to join in the information went in so much easier than I had thought.

Doing this course has brought back my confidence and I am going to enrol on a management course as while I have the experience I would like a qualification to back that up."

Her colleague Karen Cooke was also pleasantly surprised by the easy integration into college life. "I have really enjoyed this course. The practical work in the kitchens at the college was great. I loved working with the college staff and the people in my group. I didn't think I would cope with a course after so long but with the help and support from the people I have met I now feel confident enough to carry on. Before this course I had never even turned a computer on and I thought I was too old to try but I am now going to do a GCSE in computers."

The course represents one of a number of Pathfinder programmes offering work focused training in a variety of subject areas including health & social care, contact centre work and childcare.

Jacquie Hatfield, External Relations Manager said, "These students have worked very hard to gain new qualifications and experience. This will be invaluable to them in securing work. We have employers on board and Jobcentre Plus will continue to support them in finding a suitable job. This has been a valuable experience to all involved. We have learned a lot of lessons and have achieved some very positive outcomes. Well done to all the learners."