"Since being at Palmersville Training I have learnt a lot of new skills and have built up my confidence and self esteem." Palmersville Training Centre provides a range of training opportunities to local young people who have special needs. This includes individuals with learning disabilities, young people with behavioural and emotional problems and those who are leading extremely chaotic lives and drifting in and out of temporary accommodation. The local careers service has recognised that 90% of the trainees at Palmersville require considerable support and guidance. Based in Benton, the overall aim of the project is to help each young person achieve their potential and increase their employment chances. We encourage, assist and support young people to develop greater self-confidence and gain appropriate prevocational and vocational qualifications. A whole host of training options are available including NVQ Levels 1 & 2 in Catering, IT, Hairdressing, Beauty Therapy, Warehousing, Retailing, Horticulture and Painting and Decorating. For the majority of our students, achieving a recognised qualification will be their first experience of academic success. To provide a realistic working environment at the training centre the project operates a Barnardo’s retail shop, the Buttery restaurant and a hairdressing and beauty salon. All are open to the general public and provide our students not only with vital vocational skills, but also with an understanding and experience of the work ethic. This incorporates essential skills such as good time keeping, responsibilities, working relationships with other members of staff, as well as expected behaviours. Your support will enable us to continue to provide quality training for many disadvantaged and vulnerable young people.