Coventry & Warwickshire teenagers are building the foundations for success thanks to a new training initiative designed to help them take the first step into the world of work.

Foundation Learning takes an innovative approach to encouraging young people to improve their qualifications which will make them more likely to gain employment despite the tough economic climate.

Delivered by employment and training experts Pertemps People Development Group (PPDG), the initiative is already achieving excellent results with young people gaining important qualifications and securing sustainable jobs.

Chrissie Dunham-Grant, PPDG team leader at the company's offices in School Walk, Nuneaton, said: "Foundation Learning is taking a tailored approach to the needs of young people to help them into employment.

"It is an entry level, to level one, programme which offers personalised and flexible learning opportunities in vocational, personal and social development and functional skills. It gives each learner an individualised learner journey which will support them into a range of destinations which can be employment, apprenticeships and level two qualifications.

"We are offering Foundation Learning opportunities to 16-18 year-olds who have the chance to take part in a range of activities and gain qualifications. The qualifications are offered in bite-size chunks, with reward and recognition events to help keep them inspired and motivated."

Some of the qualifications are delivered through sport and music. Learners will also have the chance to obtain a provisional driving licence and driving lessons, or take their Compulsory Basic Training motorcycle test, if transport and travel is a barrier to progression into employment.

Chrissie added: "The learners also have the chance to attend taster sessions in various vocational areas so that they can make informed choices about the way forward for them after they have completed Foundation learning." To find out more about Foundation Learning contact Chrissie on 02476 370979.

PPDG delivers the Government's Welfare to Work strategy across the Midlands through Flexible New Deal, Work Focused Training and other employment initiatives. PPDG is using its vast experience of helping long-term unemployed people get back into work to help local jobseekers secure employment opportunities.

PPDG's team of employment experts provide advice on benefits, confidence building, one-to-one support, CV and interview preparation as well as finding the right job or training course. In partnership with DWP, the Ministry of Justice and Jobcentre Plus, PPDG delivers a diverse range of employment and training initiatives including Flexible New Deal, Working Neighbourhoods Fund, Learndirect and many ESF funded programmes.

More than 100,000 job seekers have been helped into sustained employment by the company since the projects began. It has trained 130,000 people in vocational skills, and over 175,000 people have benefitted from professional information, advice and guidance services.