In the Shetland community, an initiative is underway as part of Shetland Island Council’s Youth and Employability Service, to bridge the gap between education and employment for young people aged 15-19. The project is called The Bridges Project and they are currently crafting benches for use at our event in July. Eleven young people have been working on this project creating five benches with backed seating, ten without and two giant deckchairs. We are especially proud to have Bridges on board with us as they share the same ethos as The Tall Ships Races - to provide opportunities to young people to help with their development.
The Bridges Project provides a vital stepping stone for Shetland's youth. It serves as a platform for hands-on work, allowing them to explore their creative abilities, enhance practical skills and make a positive contribution towards the community. They offer a range of varied informal learning styles. With this project, they have been working on their joinery skills with Bridges support workers Ryan Jamieson and David Simpson, who both have many years of experience working within the construction industry. Both have been helping the young volunteers gain the necessary skills to make the benches in different areas. Beyond the construction of benches, Bridges offers courses on many different topics. These courses empower young individuals by providing a sense of achievement and self-assurance.
Collaboration is a key aspect of the Bridges project. Young participants work alongside experienced tradesmen and their peers, gaining valuable insights into teamwork, communication, and compromise. This collaborative experience cultivates important interpersonal skills that will prove beneficial in various aspects of their lives. Through witnessing their creative ideas come to life, they gain a deeper understanding of their abilities and potential. This newfound confidence can serve as a foundation for future success, inspiring them to pursue their aspirations with determination.
The upcoming visit of The Tall Ships Races to Lerwick in July provides a notable opportunity to showcase the work of the Bridges project. The benches created by these talented young individuals leave a legacy for the community to appreciate. Let us recognise and appreciate the Bridges project for its commitment to empowering Shetland's youth through creativity and collaboration.