A teenager from Royton is eagerly awaiting the job of a life time next week after gaining a place on a national voluntary scheme…in Ghana
James Cockayne aged 18 applied for the Platform2 project after overhearing a conversation in Connexions. 'I heard someone talking about this voluntary programme where you can go to a different country and work, so asked my Connexions Personal Adviser about it, she explained about it being a global volunteering programme for 18-25 year olds who wouldn't normally get to go to these countries.
'We looked through the programme and how to apply and I decided I wanted to do it. I had been looking for work in Oldham after finishing school at 16, my GCSEs weren't great and I wasn't getting anywhere so decided to try this.
'At first I had to complete an on line application form, and then I found out I was invited to an interview which took an hour and a half. I was really nervous but it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. After that I found out I had been accepted but had to wait to find out what I would be doing'
'I got a phone call a couple of weeks ago telling me I'd be going to do voluntary work in Ghana for 10 weeks. I'm so excited, I can't wait to get there.'
James who has only been abroad once before to Greece will spend his 10 weeks with other young people from across England building a market and working with the local children.
Fran Maouati, James' Connexions Personal Adviser said, 'James has done fantastically well to get onto this project. These opportunities don't come along very often and it's great to have someone from Oldham selected. The skills he will pick up from doing this work should set him up well to find a job on his return.'
Connexions is the boroughs Information, Advice and Guidance service for 13-19 year olds. For more information contact Connexions on 0161 621 9300
