Scottish charity Venture Trust is partnering with Cycling Scotland to ensure more young people from some of Scotland’s most deprived areas have an opportunity to enjoy the benefits of cycling.
Venture Trust is proud to announce that it has secured funding from Cycling Scotland’s Cycling Friendly Community Development Grant Fund to deliver its Change Cycle employability programme.
Change Cycle aims to inspire an interest in cycling for disadvantaged young people and supports the development of their skills and confidence to make their next step into learning or work opportunities.
The programme supports young people to build aspiration, motivation and self-confidence while developing key employability skills. The course is for young people who are not in work, education, or training, facing long term unemployment and disadvantage or potentially at risk of (re-)offending or anti-social behaviour.
During the course each participant will: learn about building their own bike and bike maintenance, as well as being taught cycle and road safety. The participants of the course will be given the tools to strengthen personal and employability skills, receive certified SQA and Bike Mechanic training and combine all of this learning and experience into a “fit for purpose” CV. All participants will create a personal learning and career development plan before completing a 4-week work placement or a series of work experience days, motivational talks, career Q&As and the recruitment process from local and national businesses.
Change Cycle supports young people to get their lives on track and realise their potential. The medium of cycle plays a key role in inspiring these young people to develop skills and have an active lifestyle.
The latest funding continues a long-standing partnership between Venture Trust and the nation’s cycling organisation. It is an understanding that having a bike is a privilege that not everyone has access to. And it is a recognition of the many benefits that having a bike can bring and that is essential all young people have access to the same opportunities.
Venture Trust employability manager Fraser Taylor said:
“We are excited to be continuing to work in partnership with Cycling Scotland to ensure more young people from some of Scotland’s most deprived areas have the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of cycling. Alongside having the chance to build and own a bicycle, young people will also be able develop key employability skills to help them move towards work, training, or study.”
Aidan, a young person recently completing a Change Cycle course said:
“Building a bike was my favourite part of the course. I’ve always had an interest in bikes and now the workshop has confirmed for me that’s what I want to do. I’m now going to college to study mechanical engineering.”
Sandra Lavergne, Cycling Friendly Community Development Officer at Cycling Scotland, said:
“Our Cycling Friendly Community fund is aimed at community groups across Scotland who want to break down barriers and increase opportunities for people to cycle. The funding of up to £20,000 can be used for bikes or facilities that make cycling more accessible for the community – regardless of people’s ability, background, or financial situation.
“Encouraging cycling in the community can bring people together, build skills and confidence, and address social and economic inequalities. We’d encourage any interested community groups to get in touch to discuss available support and opportunities.”
Change Cycle Impact:
Change Cycle supports individuals to get their lives on track and realise their potential. The medium of cycle plays a key role in inspiring these young people to develop skills and have an active lifestyle.
From previous years our impact has been:
- 89% achieve accredited learning
- 86% increase in skills
- 77% improve confidence
- 70% increase in wellbeing
- 73% move into a positive destination in education, training, volunteering or work (Pre-Covid)
Find more information on our Change Cycle Employability programme: Change Cycle – Venture Trust
