PADDY'S PRAISE FOR SOCIAL ENTERPRISE IN CAMBORNE (Julia Goldsworthy)

Julia Goldsworthy <info@juliagoldsworthy.org>

PADDY'S PRAISE FOR SOCIAL ENTERPRISE IN CAMBORNE

March 19, 2010 5:00 PM

A Camborne-based project that provides training for young people who are out of work received a visit from Paddy Ashdown and local MP Julia Goldsworthy.

Lord Ashdown joined Julia on a tour of Real Base Training, and met young people who were learning new skills. The organisation provides training for young people aged 14 to 18 who are not currently in education, employment or training.

Real Base helps them learn new skills and find work in the local area. Lord Ashdown chatted with 17-year old Sheldon Stringer, an apprentice hairdresser, and Sean Barberry, a young apprentice mechanic. He also met Project Managers Rick Watts and Tony Colwill, who explained how the scheme is funded.

Julia Goldsworthy said: "The work done by local projects such as Real Base is more important than ever at a time when young people are struggling to find work.

"Unemployment in Cornwall has doubled for people under the age of 25 in the past three years, with one in five now out of work. Lack of job opportunities is a real problem for young people in Camborne and Redruth today, so projects such as Real Base are vital to help keep our young people here."

Lord Ashdown said: "I have been really impressed with the positive attitude displayed by the young people I met in Camborne today.

"It's clear that young people want to work, they want to find employment and training - but unfortunately the Government's policies have failed to deliver for young people in Cornwall. I very much hope that the work of Real Base will continue to be an asset to Camborne and Redruth in the future, and I wish them the very best of luck."

Rick Watts, from Real Base Training, said: "We were very pleased to be visited by Lord Ashdown and Julia and greatly appreciated the time given talking to the students and staff at the project."