Mini-BICCS (Birmingham Inner-City Coaching Scheme) is a highly innovative partnership project, combining Private, Public and Voluntary sectors, with the ultimate goal of equipping 11 long-term unemployed people with the skills necessary to pursue a career in sports coaching.

The project, which will be led by Pertemps Employment Alliance, and based in the Aston and Handsworth areas of Birmingham, is being supported by Sports Pathways to Employment, Birmingham City Council and Groundwork “Lozells”.

It represents a unique opportunity for the 11 participants, 9 of which are Employment Zone clients with Pertemps Employment Alliance, with the remaining 2 people referred from Lozells “Groundwork”.

During the seven-month delivery period, between April and October 2004, participants will receive an exciting blend of personal development training, job search activity, sports coaching workshops and accredited training, seeking to achieve a number of expert coaching qualifications across the individuals’ preferred sports.

As such, Mini BICCS will seek to prepare participants for employment, supporting their development by raising confidence and self-esteem and enhancing individual coaching skills.

In addition the project will also provide sixteen weeks of work placement opportunities which will enable each participant to apply the skills they have learned. Placements are being developed in conjunction with a number of key associate partners, consisting of Aston Positive Futures project, Aston Hall Park Development, Aston Events Centre and Aston Villa FC’s “football in the community scheme”.

If you are interested in Mini-BICCS and would like to participate in a similar project in the future, please email dave.mayo@pertemps.co.uk