THREE students have excelled in their exams and coursework on a “stepping stone” project at Great Yarmouth College for teenagers with no formal qualifications facing a lifetime of unemployment and benefits.

THREE students have excelled in their exams and coursework on a “stepping stone” project at Great Yarmouth College for teenagers with no formal qualifications facing a lifetime of unemployment and benefits.

Sam Burgess, Ian Murphy and Luke Hutchinson joined the Entry to Employment (e2e) programme that offers 16-18-year-olds work and life skills to help put them on track for job as well as building their confidence and self-worth.

They were integrated into a City and Guilds level 1 welding course where they outperformed many of their peers.

They scored impressive distinctions, credits and passes in their online exams, practical tasks and short answer questions.

Steph Willis, e2e coordinator, said Sam Burgess deserved particular praise for achieving two distinctions. He had missed the last two years of his schooling and had arrived at college with no confidence.

He has now moved on to a City and Guilds welding skills programme and Ian and Luke have progressed to a level 2.

“All three are aiming for more success when they complete their level 2 certificate courses in the summer.”

The college's e2e course has won awards and exceeded all expectations in the achievements of young people since it began five years ago.

The programme - which offers personal support as well as skills and training guides- gives young people the chance at qualifications and addressing previous major difficulties like time keeping, social behavior, finance, alcohol, drugs and other problems.

E2E can last up to 22 weeks offering a mix of skills in areas including hairdressing, IT, brickwork, carpentry, retail and motor vehicle maintenance.

Vocational training is backed up by key and basic skills including number, communications, problem solving, team working and IT as well as social and personal support.