A SCHEME that helps prepare young people for adult life has been shortlisted for an award.

Delivered by county council youth workers in secondary schools, Pupil Referral Units and residential care, the accredited personal and social development programme helps support young people during the transition into adulthood.

It has been nominated for an outstanding school-based award at the Youth Work in Wales Excellence Awards.

Through topics such as preparation for employment, healthy living, making the most of leisure time, community and parenting and developing independent living skills, it helps young people to gain confidence and develop resilience to deal with challenges they may face.

As much as possible, they are immersed in practical learning in such projects as the Phoenix courses with the Fire Service, multi-agency Wild Camp, working with the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, visiting banks to develop their understanding of money matters, and local employers to research recruitment processes and prospects.

More than 110 students have so far benefited from the course, and a high percentage have achieved scores equivalent to GCSEs.

The programme is one of three Pembrokeshire County Council youth services shortlisted for an award.

The awards are an opportunity for Wales to recognise and celebrate the most outstanding youth workers and youth work projects in Wales.

The ceremony takes place on February 20 in Llandudno.

“To reach the shortlist in three out of ten categories is a fantastic accolade for the youth service in Pembrokeshire,” said Cllr Ken Rowlands, Cabinet Member for Education.

“I wish the candidates the best of luck in the event.”