"Before joining the programme, I was in a different kind of job working in a bar. I was unhappy. I didn’t enjoy the job or the long hours.

I signed up for the Aspire Higher Plus programme because of the support I wanted to get to gain a different experience. I didn’t know how to write letters or to speak to people.

 

I wanted to get a job, set new goals for myself and be able to write emails and that kind of thing. I am now doing an apprenticeship as a residential childcare support worker, and I am much happier where I am in now. The job within itself is different and a new experience for me. That has been nice.

 

I felt really good and excited when I found out I got the onto the apprenticeship as I was so tired of my old job. I now work in a different area, with different people, different everything.

 

I am happier and am slowly achieving my goals which is a nice feeling.

 

Everything I do now I always knew I could do and achieve but I wasn’t in the right work setting to achieve them. Now I am in the right setting to achieve my goals. The whole experience being mentored by Lydia has been good with her supporting me.

 

I don’t think about the future much, I think more of now in the moment, but hopefully at the end of my apprenticeship I will get a job in the care sector as I really want to help and support people and be able to make a difference.

 

For anyone thinking of joining the programme I would say make use of the support while you can have it!"