A GROUP of Leominster residents are celebrating a boost to their employability after successfully completing a training programme in customer services.

The 10 participants completed the Employability and Personal Development programme and an accredited qualification in customer services – delivered by Kemble Housing Association’s Active Community Engagement (ACE) programme and Hoople Ltd.

An awards ceremony was held earlier this month where Bill Wiggin MP presented the students with their certificates at Leominster Learning Centre.

One person who has reaped the benefit of the programme is 20 year-old Sara Crooke.

She said: “Completing this course has really helped to build up my confidence and has taught me a number of invaluable skills that can be applied in the workplace.

“I think that my City and Guilds qualification in customer services has helped me to get my business administration apprenticeship at Grange Court. I would like to thank everyone that has helped me to take the next step towards my career goals.”

Supported Housing for Young People Project (SHYPP), which is part of Kemble Housing, also presented certificates to those who have completed their Arts Award.

ACE run a number of training programmes tailored to suit the needs of young people and improve their employability prospects.

Cath Warren, training and community development worker for ACE, said: “We’re delighted to be able to offer training to people living in Leominster to help in their search to find work.

“The ACE project has responded to the challenges our customers are facing during these difficult times by partnering up with other organisations to offer a variety of training programmes and support services to people across Herefordshire."

For more information on Kemble Housing’s Active Community Engagement scheme, or the Learning Centre, email cath.warren@wmhousing.co.uk or call 07967 518728.