EIGHT young people recently completed a ten day personal Track Safety and Track Induction Course all thanks to Barry Communities First in partnership with Absolute Training.

Learners, chosen from the Barry Communities First programme, were subjected to a demanding schedule which required a hands on track induction course and rail safety course, critical information required to work on rail infrastructure.

Further training was also provided to the recruited learners to use petrol powered rail tools.

Learners who completed the training now have the industry standard competencies that will allow them to seek and gain employment with various rail contractors in South Wales, some have already secured interviews.

Dave Crowther, course tutor, commented: "Throughout the ten day course it was interesting and rewarding observing the learners grow in confidence and realise that they had the potential to develop and succeed. There was a definite sense of self-realisation within the group and an eagerness to achieve employment".

Sam Jolliffe, one of the learners, said: "During my PTS training course I learned how to work and act on site in a safe manner and how things work and fit together which gave me a greater understanding of the railway service. By obtaining these qualifications and competencies I can search for a wider variety of jobs that offer advancement and additional learning. I now intend to approach companies and secure a position in which I can work my way up through the rail industry".

The Vale Council led Barry Communities First are a Welsh Government funded aimed at improving the health, prosperity and learning of residents living in parts of Barry. For information please visit www.BarryCommunitiesfirst.org or contact 01446 709432.