Paragon skills for industry

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Lee Smith from Weymouth is striding ahead thanks to his First Steps Programme with Paragon Skills for Industry.

Lee, 18, has worked as a Sales Assistant at WH Smith in Weymouth for over a year, he said: “When I left school my interests were in retail, but I still wasn’t entirely sure what I wanted to do. So I joined the First Steps Programme which helped me find out more about the retail industry and gave me the foundations on which to build my skills.

“I work in the entertainment section of the store and my typical duties include customer service, till procedures and stock handling. I really enjoy my job, particularly dealing with customers.”

For young people who don’t know what to do after leaving school, a First Steps programme with Paragon Skills provides the employability skills and qualifications needed to move on to a job or an apprenticeship.

The course includes comprehensive support and gives young people the chance to try out a career they are interested in and gain qualifications whilst helping them to make the right choices.

Lee said: “I would strongly recommend the First Steps Programme to anyone who has just left school and is not sure what path to take next. Not everyone finishes school with a clear idea of what they want to do, or has achieved the necessary grades to reach their goals.”

First Steps Programme Manager Christine Wollage said: “A First Steps course has many benefits for young people including confidence building, motivation and team working skills, whilst providing practical support with access to a £30 per week training allowance, travel expenses and equipment or clothing appropriate to the choice of career.

For more information on First Steps courses, please call 0800 783 2545