22.06.07
Fifteen Cornwall funders delighted with success

Fifteen Cornwall has seen phenomenal success in its first year. The organisations that could see the project's potential to make a positive contribution to the local economy, and the lives of the young people involved, have provided the vital support needed to get the project off the ground. One year on Fifteen Cornwall's much valued funders are delighted to see the results of the project's success.

Objective One, www.objectiveone.com
A total of £545,430 from the Objective One European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) has been invested in the capital build of the Fifteen Cornwall restaurant. Objective One European Social Fund (ESF) investment is also being used to support the training side of Fifteen Cornwall. This is in partnership with Jobcentre Plus and the LSC (Learning and Skills Council).

Carleen Kelemen, Director of the Objective One Partnership: "My warmest congratulations to all of you who have put in the hard work to graduate from Fifteen Cornwall. You are the first of what will be a long line of successful Fifteen Cornwall trainees and are setting a successful example for others to follow.

"The aim of Objective One has been to help transform this region's economy by increasing the opportunities for better paid jobs and introducing more people to work. Fifteen Cornwall is achieving this using the combination of the world-renowned Fifteen concept, the best of Cornish local produce and young ambition."

The South West of England Regional Development Agency, www.southwestrda.org.uk
The South West RDA invested £532,400 in the development of Fifteen Cornwall in recognition of its contribution to tackling social exclusion in Cornwall and the boost to the food and drink and tourism sectors in South West England. This investment helped to pay for the conversion of the top floor of the Extreme Academy, including a number of green measures such as a heat recovery system, rainwater recycling and low energy lighting.

Stephen Bohane, Head of Operations Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly for the South West Regional Development Agency, and trustee of the Cornwall Foundation of Promise: "This is a momentous day in the development of Fifteen Cornwall as a major social enterprise and more importantly in the personal development of the apprentices graduating today. In supporting the project from its inception, the South West RDA recognised the valuable contribution Fifteen Cornwall would make in developing our young people and setting new standards in the food and drink and tourism sectors. Today's graduation shows that our confidence was well-placed and we congratulate all concerned."

Cornwall College, Camborne, www.cornwall.ac.uk
Cornwall College has provided the students with all the vocational training they need to become qualified chefs while also having been instrumental in making bids for public money.

Debbie Wilshire, Deputy CEO of Cornwall College and trustee of the Cornwall Foundation of Promise: "This is a wonderful celebration of achievement and proof that working in partnership reaps great rewards. These students have had first class training both from Cornwall College and Fifteen Cornwall, and they have excelled. Each individual is simply amazing. Yes, they have all had lots of support and help - in the end though it is down to each one to change their lives and they've done it. They should be extremely proud of themselves."

Devon and Cornwall Learning and Skills Council, www.lscdevonandcornwall.co.uk
The Devon and Cornwall Learning and Skills Council has given Fifteen Cornwall tremendous support and has provided invaluable funding through both their Local Initiative Fund and co-financing.

Malcolm Gillespie, Learning and Skills Council (LSC) South West Regional Director: "Fifteen Cornwall is an inspirational example of great vocational learning and the LSC is proud to be one of its partners.

"These young people have had to face a diverse and complex range of challenges and we are delighted that we have been able to play a part in helping them reach their full potential."

Jobcentre Plus, Truro, www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk
Jobcentre Plus was instrumental in recruiting the students, and also contributed very significant funding through both Cornwall Action Team for Jobs and European Social Fund co-financing. They have moved heaven and earth to make sure Fifteen Cornwall was possible.

Carolyn Webster, European Programmes and Funding Manager, Jobcentre Plus: "We are extremely proud to have been able to support Fifteen Cornwall and the Cornwall Foundation of Promise over the last two years. The Fifteen programme offers a unique combination of first class training, work experience and personal development in an inspirational setting, and is clearly focused on the needs of the young people it supports. This is a real and lasting achievement and is down to the pioneers of the programme in Cornwall - today's graduates. Well done to them and to everyone involved in making Fifteen Cornwall a real success story."

Cornwall County Council, www.cornwall.gov.uk
Cornwall County Council invested £15,000 in Fifteen Cornwall and has been a tireless supporter of the project.

Terry Lello, the Lead Member for Children, Young People and Families: "Cornwall County Council has fully supported the Fifteen project from the very first day and we are delighted with how well it is working. Fifteen gives disadvantaged young people from the county's most deprived areas the chance to gain vocational qualifications and intensive work experience in a high quality establishment and I am sure these young people will now go on to future success."

Andrew Mitchell, the County Council's Executive Member for Economy: "This exciting project is providing a wonderful opportunity for young people in Cornwall and is proving to be a major benefit to the county's food and drink sector."

Restormel Borough Council, www.restormel.gov.uk
Restormel Borough Council initiated the entire project, made a financial contribution of £15,000 and managed the capital bid process.

Councillor Annette Egerton, Cabinet Member for Planning and Regeneration at Restormel Borough Council: "We are delighted to have been a part of this project which has been a very positive development for Restormel. We hope that the excellent work carried out by the students graduating now will be recognised and that they will be able to get jobs locally, which will be good for our hospitality businesses."

The Objective One Programme for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly has invested in Fifteen Cornwall through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and through the Jobcentre Plus co-financing programme with the European Social Fund (ESF).

Editor's notes:

Clare Morgan
Media Relations Manager
Objective One Partnership Office
Castle House
Pydar Street
Truro TR1 2UD
Mobile: 07973 813647
Telephone: 01872 223439

cmorgan@cornwall.gov.uk

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