TRAC project success celebration for making a real difference

A project set up in Denbighshire to support young people disengaged in education to realise their potential has celebrated its achievements at a special event.

The TRAC project started in 2015 and to date, it has supported 1,995 young people through various kinds of support, including support mentors, youth officers, counselling, bespoke courses and support from Careers Wales.

304 young people secured qualifications through the support they received and 471 had a reduction in becoming NEET (Not in Education Engagement or Employment).  Of the participants 78.8% have continued in full time education and a further 13.3% moved on to a full-time higher level course in college.

TRAC have worked with 18 local companies to deliver 126 bespoke courses to young people in Denbighshire to address their needs and provide quality engagement and accredited provision.

TRAC has been supported by the European Social Fund through the Welsh Government.

Councillor Gill German, Cabinet Lead Member for Education, Children and Young People, said: “This is a real success story. Young people have benefitted greatly from support and guidance, as well as quality training courses that have supported them to stay in education and gain qualifications.

“It’s a priority for the Council to make Denbighshire a place where young people want to live and work and have the skills to do so.  TRAC has been invaluable in providing such opportunities for young people to re-engage and we’re delighted with its success.

“Over the lifespan of the project the NEET figures in Denbighshire have reduced steadily falling from 3.1% to 1.7%.  This has also continued to steadily fall during the pandemic through the flexibility and determination of TRAC officers to continue to support schools and vulnerable young people.

“My thanks go to all those that have taken part in the project and those that have supported our young people in reaching their potential”.