Momentum’s Celebration of Achievement
Momentum’s Celebration of Achievement
25 May 2011: THE achievements and qualifications achieved by people who attend Momentum’s OPEL and Work Ahead programmes have been honoured at an awards ceremony.
South Lanarkshire Council Provost, Councillor Russell Clearie, was among the guests who honoured the 110 participants who have achieved SVQ and City & Guilds qualifications and the 92 participants who have progressed into jobs or further education.
Among those being presented with certificates by the Provost was Chris Balanda, who received special recognition for being the OPEL programme’s 100th participant to gain a vocational qualification.
Chris was originally referred to the Momentum OPEL programme through his Disability Employment Advisor at Jobcentre Plus.
Chris has pursued his interest in catering and has gained the Royal Institute of Public Health Foundation Certificate in Food Hygiene as well as successfully completing his first 4 modules of the City & Guilds Employability and Personal Development Qualification. Chris has also gained employment at the Kudos café in Carluke.
His Employment Development Worker, John Kelly, said: “Chris has demonstrated a willingness to learn and has set his sights on further personal development and advancement.
“He’s a great advert for what OPEL and Work Ahead support can do.”
The value of partnership working to harness the skills and enthusiasm of participants like Chris was highlighted by those in attendance at the event.
Provost Clearie said: “It’s vital we continue to support and nurture the skills, enthusiasm and ambition of OPEL and Work Ahead participants.
“I am extremely encouraged by the achievements of OPEL and Work Ahead we have recognised today and above all the determination of everyone involved to build on this success and assist more people make the transition into employment and vocational training in the years ahead.
“We also heard inspirational examples of the personal determination to succeed and qualifications achieved despite often complex barriers which have to be overcome.”
Dougie Taylor, Head of Operations with Momentum, said: “We are grateful for the support and direction we have had from South Lanarkshire Council’s Routes to Inclusion Team in developing our services.
“We recognise the tough economic climate in which we operate and the need to demonstrate added value to funders.
“The recognition and importance given by South Lanarkshire Council to supporting this participant group is an inspirational to families and the wider community”