The Youth Service at Pembrokeshire County Council has been shortlisted in three out of ten categories at the annual Youth Work in Wales Excellence Awards.

The event is an opportunity for Wales to recognise and celebrate the most outstanding youth workers and youth work projects in Wales. It will take place on February 20 at 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 .”

The service has been shortlisted in the Outstanding School Based Project category, for its Personal and Social Development accredited programme.

Youth workers in secondary schools, the Pupil Referral Unit and a residential care setting have in recent years delivered a Personal and Social Development accredited programme as an alternative curriculum option. The programme supports young people to gain confidence and develop resilience to deal with challenges they may face in adulthood.

The topics covered include preparation for employment, healthy living, making the most of leisure time, community and parenting and developing independent living skills.

As much as possible the young people 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.

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