Educ8 Training and Vale Youth Service EOTAS are continuing to build a strong and successful partnership that is helping young people across South Wales re-engage with education, develop confidence, and discover positive future career pathways.
Through the collaboration, Educ8 has delivered vocational training opportunities tailored to the needs of learners supported by Vale Youth Service EOTAS – Education Otherwise Than at School – a local authority provision designed for children and young people who are unable to attend mainstream school due to permanent exclusion, long-term disengagement, school-based anxiety, or other health-related reasons.
Following the success of the Elev8 Hair and Beauty programme, now in its second year, Educ8 Training also introduced the Elev8 Engineering programme over the last year. The course has already made a significant impact on the young people taking part, helping them develop new skills, confidence and aspirations for the future.
The partnership between Educ8 and Vale Youth Service EOTAS also highlights the importance of organisations working collaboratively to provide accessible vocational pathways that help young people re-engage with learning in a way that feels meaningful, practical and linked to real future opportunities.
Michaela O’Neill, Pupil Engagement Caseworker at EOTAS Vale of Glamorgan, praised the partnership with Educ8 and the positive outcomes it is delivering for learners.
“We currently have two boys taking the engineering course and they are absolutely thriving,” said Michaela.
“One student had not been seen in school since Year 7 and really didn’t want to do it at first, but he has taken to it so well and absolutely loves it. The other boy came to us following permanent exclusion from mainstream school and has now said engineering is his aspiration post-16 and is looking to go to college.”
One of the students said: “I have learnt a lot, and the tutors are great as they work at your pace. CAD software sessions are interesting, and we were able to actually print off on a 3 D printer which was great.”
The other explained, “The tutors are really helpful. I really enjoyed the plug game and the Health and Safety quiz using charades.”
Michaela explained that the partnership has provided learners with an opportunity to engage in practical, hands-on learning in a supportive environment that encourages personal growth and confidence.
“The young people just weren’t interested before, but the course has been great for them and has really helped build their confidence,” she said.
“The Educ8 team have been so responsive and accommodating and it’s been a real pleasure to deal with them. I’m a huge supporter of the course and would fully advocate continuing to use it if the opportunity continues.”
The Elev8 Engineering programme allows learners to experience practical engineering activities while developing valuable employability and technical skills. Students have explored CAD design skills, safe use of tools and materials, workshop practices, and team-based problem-solving activities, while also gaining insight into future engineering careers.
Lawrence Pollock, a tutor employed by Camau Fynni, which supports Vale Youth Service EOTAS, said the partnership has created an environment where learners can flourish.
He explained, “The engineering lessons has been very popular with both our students. They have been coming every Tuesday with excitement and big interest. Having a specialist subject is definitely very engaging for young people. They can see practical use of their knowledge, enjoying teamwork and interacting with wide circle of different tutors.”
Together, Educ8 Training and EOTAS Vale of Glamorgan are demonstrating the impact strong partnerships can have in transforming opportunities for young people, helping them reconnect with learning and build brighter futures.
