A GROUP of young people who have worked hard to gain qualifications with a difference have been honoured in Torbay.

More than a dozen students were presented with their Skill Force awards by Torbay mayor Nick Bye at Oldway Mansion.

These were the first group to join the training programme when it was established in Torbay in 2006.

Skill Force is an educational charity which operates in 42 areas. Students typically complete a range of awards and qualifications including the Duke of Edinburgh's bronze award, St John Ambulance first aid, young life saver's award, ASDAN certificate of personal effectiveness and wider key skills.

Results from the established teams show a dramatic improvement in the numbers of school leavers going on to education, employment or training.

One such student is Callum Kilpatrick, a former Westlands School pupil, who joined the programme in September 2006.

Paul Rossiter, Torbay team leader, said: "He has developed into a confident young man who has focused on his creative strengths and is currently working at Oldway Mansion as a gardener/groundsman.

"Callum has engaged in every aspect of Skill Force and has produced a film on Parkour (free running) and made a presentation to staff and students on his sport.

"He has completed a range of qualifications and awards which include the ASDAN certificate, wider key skills and a section of the Duke of Edinburgh's award.

"He led a group on an expedition to Dartmoor as part of the programme, learning navigation skills and being self reliant in a wilderness environment.

"The fact Callum has gained a full-time job already is testament to his desire to be successful and shows his ability to deal with a selection process and interviews. He has been a delight to work with."

The ethos behind Skill Force is to motivate, build confidence and inspire pupils at GCSE level.

At its core are the key skills of problem solving, working with others and improving learning and performance, he said.

Pupils complete the two-year project with a large portfolio of qualifications, a detailed understanding of the workplace, CV writing, the confidence to argue a case and present in front of others, as well as the ability to logically problem solve — all considered crucial by today's employers.

Skill Force — Torbay began operating with four core schools: Brixham College, Paignton Community and Sports College, Torquay Community College and Westlands School Mathematics and Computing College.

Mr Rossiter said: "The 'life skills' the students gain during their time with Skill Force can't be quantified.

"However, the skills should not be underestimated in terms of their positive impact and really do stand our students in good stead for the future.

"We are very confident our Year 11 students leaving us will have positive outcomes and will gain further education, training or work on leaving school."

In January, the team had a five-day quality assurance review from the local authority by an Ofsted inspector. The team was judged in the same areas as a school or other education providers.

Mr Rossiter said: "The team was judged to be 'good with outstanding elements', which is incredibly satisfying for us in the Torbay team."

In the next academic year, the scheme is expanding by leading a public service training programme at Westlands School.

The college is currently running the BTEC first and national certificates and diplomas for year 12 and 13 students.

Next year, it is piloting a KS4 uniformed public service, BTEC first certificate for year 10 students across Torbay.

They will have a dedicated instructor to lead all of the public service programmes at Westlands.

For more details, log on to www.skillforce.org