On Friday 5th February, Get up and Go 2010 got underway. All schools in the Gateshead borough were invited to send along pupils from years 10 & 11. Buses were provided by "The Collective" to bring pupils from their school to the Skills Academy and then back again. Different schools gave different levels of support to the day, but on the whole, attendance was good and more than 350 pupils were welcomed over the course of the day.

As well as NEETA Ltd, providers at the event included; Gateshead Council; Gateshead College; Access; Itec; Zodiac; TDR; Resources; Rainbow Training; Rathbone and Future Strategies covering a vast spectrum of Apprenticeship opportunites.
In addition, representatives came from The National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) and Connexions to offer independent advice and guidance to all.

Get up & Go also welcomed a special guest. Local Labour MP Dave Anderson to the event. Mr Anderson, who undertook an Apprenticeship after leaving school, took time from his busy schedule to visit all of the providers at the event and also spoke to some of the pupils to see what they thought.
Mr Anderson said "Events such as this are extremely important in ensuring our young people are fully informed about the many options available to them after leaving school.

"Apprenticeships and work-based learning provide a great opportunity to study and gain experience and skills at the same time. They offer a very direct route into employment and employers are increasingly recognising the benefits they get from hiring apprentices."

On Saturday 6th February, Get up & Go opened its doors and everyone was welcome to come and view the facilities on offer at the Skills Academy and learn more about options available. Connexions sent out literature to every year 10, 11, 12 & 13 students in Gateshead, inviting them to attend the Saturday event. There was advertising on local Radio and Press, however, the attendance was down on last year.

Across the 2 days we received alot of very positive feedback. By completing an event evaluation form, attendees were entered into a prize draw. 2 lucky winners each received a Netbook supplied by the Gateshead Collective.

Dates for Get up & Go 2011 are yet to be announced-Watch this space...

They want you to share your views in surveys and feedback about your life as a learner. The first TWENTY students from NEETA Ltd will be sent a £4 in shopping vouchers just for joining up. Plus you'll get occasional feedback and £1 or £2 in shopping vouchers every time you take part in a survey.

Find out more at Learner Survey

If you are hoping to earn and learn with an Apprenticeship or Work Based Learning programme then Get Up & Go is a great chance for young people, parents and carers to ask questions about the types of work available and the money on offer. You can find out what it's really like to earn and learn in areas like Hairdressing, Construction, Engineering, Retail, Motor Vehicle Trades, Beauty Therapy, Business Admin and many more.

Some of the feedback received from Get Up & Go 2009 included comments such as: "It was very good and easy to understand", "Very informative and useful" and "Great fun Thank you!".

Whats more, by attending the event and completing an evaluation form, you could win a Lap Top computer or an Ipod. Last years winners included Gary Jacobs from Hilltop School (Pictured below left), Robert Frey from Ponteland High School (Centre) and Catherine Wilkinson from Cardinal Hume (Right).

For a summary of Get Up & Go 2009 Please click get up & go review.doc

To recognise and celebrate the achievements of its' Apprentices, NEETA Ltd held an awards night at Tiger Tiger in Newcastle City Centre. The awards were hosted by NEETA's Managing Director Susan Briganti and learners were presented with their certificates by Sharon Gladstone, from Matrix (Pictured left).

The event, held on the 7th December 2009, was extremely well attended. Those receiving awards were joined by family and friends and some by their employers who came to celebrate their achievements with them.

Leading up to the Awards night, Learners and Tutors had been asked to nominate people they felt warranted special recognition. As a result, there were 7 Special Recognition awards made on the night.

The first award was to Rebecca Humble. Rebecca joined NEETA Ltd on our alternative curriculum programme in May 2008. Rebecca overcame difficult circumstances whilst still at school and since joining NEETA, has already completed her NVQ Level 1 in Hairdressing. Rebecca has progressed onto E2E and is working towards her Hairdressing NVQ Level 2. Rebecca has achieved this whilst adapting to independent living and developing life skills.

Next was Cheyenne Cole. Cheyenne was on our E2E programme and by applying herself was able to overcome a number of difficulties to achieve her NVQ Level 1 and Key Skills. She has since progressed onto a Foundation Apprenticeship and has made considerable progress towards her NVQ Level 2.

Our first Apprentice to be recognised is Tracy Goodburn. Tracy was nominated by 3 members of staff all of whom called for Tracy to be recognised for the consistently high standard of work which she produced throughout her Level 2 and then her Level 3 qualifications in Beauty Therapy.

Next up was Francesca Clark. Francesca has completed her Level 3 in Hairdressing during which time her timekeeping was exemplary. Francesca always attended NEETA in a positive manner and displayed an ability and willingness to learn at all times. Her dedication saw her progress quickly through her Level 3 and she often did well when entered for competition work.

The winner from our Adult Apprentices was Afsi Heydari. Afsi has not quite fully completed her Level 2 Beauty Therapy qualification, however, she is well on the way. As English is not her first language, Afsi has had to really apply herself. Showing great drive and enthusiasm, Afsi has overcome the barriers she has encountered and looks set to become an accomplished Therapist.

Special thanks to photographyforlittlepeople for covering the event. Anyone wishing to purchase photographs from the night should contact Jen/Mel or visit their website.

In 1997 NEETA Ltd was recognised as an Investor In People and has maintained the standard to date. In 2009 Investors In People announced a new assessment structure whereby organisations can choose to be assessed for Bronze, Silver or Gold Awards with the assessment criteria increasing in detail across the levels.

From the 27th - 29th October 2009, NEETA Ltd were assessed by Angus Hynd from Investors In People North East against the Gold standard criteria. NEETA are delighted to announce that we have achieved the Gold award and are the first training provider in the North East to be awarded this accolade. Indeed, Robert Macleod, Managing Director of Investors in People North East said "Less than 1% of all Investor in People organisations in the UK achieve gold recognition and it means that they have achieved world-wide best practice".

On achieving Gold status, Managing Director Susan Briganti said "Gaining the Investors In People Gold award means a great deal to both myself and our business". " I have always placed great importance on the development and well being of our staff as I believe they are our greatest asset." "In fact, our 10 longest serving members of staff have a combined total of more than 100 years service."

There will also be the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets. First prize is a pair of Limited Edition Pink GHD Straighteners www.ghdhair.com/ghd-pink supplied by NEETA Ltd and other prizes include a range of Hair and Beauty services.

Hairdressing Services available on the day include:

Blow Dry, Hair Up, Hair Straightened/Curled and Cutting at £3 per service.

Beauty Services available on the day include:

Mini Facial, Manicure or Pedicure, Tinting, Waxing, Hand and Arm Massage or Foot and Leg Massage at £3 per service.

All services will be carried out by NEETA students under the supervision of their Tutor. Services are available inbetween 10am and 3pm. For more information please call the salon on 0191 4904680.