Preston training company earmarked for top award (From Preston and Leyland Citizen)

Preston training company earmarked for top award

11:16am Friday 17th October 2008

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After a record number of entries, a Preston-based training company has been nominated for a top prize in the Children and Young People’s Services Awards 2008.

Judges have named Avenir Training of Fishwick Parade one of six finalists in the running for the annual Justice Award thanks to its unique programme of military-style education.

The company, which launched five years ago, now runs a range of initiatives for young people at training centres in Preston, Burnley and Salford.

Its Military Preparation Course targets unemployed teens aged 16-18, giving them a taster of Army life and helping them overcome barriers to employment.

Students try out vocational skills such as camouflage and concealment and follow a tough programme of physical training while also receiving mentoring and guidance to help them progress to employment or college.

Avenir Training director Stephen Harrison said: “Every young person on our course gets a fresh start. We give them the confidence to dream of a better future and the skills to achieve it. Plus we teach core values of discipline and respect.

“The impact of our training is huge - years later students come back and thank us for helping them to turn their lives around.”

The contenders for each of the awards have been determined by an expert line-up of adult judges and now a panel of young judges will pick out the winning entries.

Winners will be announced on November 20 at a gala dinner in London to be opened by Children’s Secretary Ed Balls.

Beverley Hughes, Minister of state for children, young people and families said: “These awards highlight some of the excellent practice that is delivering better outcomes for children.

"We should celebrate such good practice, learn from it, and replicate the success across the country, in order to provide all children and young people with the best start in life.”

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