Hi I’m Danny, and I completed the Work Ready You programme at Weston College, which helped me to gain 3 qualifications including an E2 Certificate in Preparation for Employment, an E3 Award in Preparation of Work, and a L1 Award in Employability Skills. This course has also helped me to progress into my current job role at Weston College, which I will discuss below!

I chose to enrol on a pre-employment course at Weston College because I had been out of work for a long time and felt I needed to rebuild my confidence and improve my chances for employment. The pre-employment course looked like a good way to help me get back into work and find some direction.

The course introduced us to various types of jobs and workplaces. We learned how to tailor our CVs for different roles, which was very useful. We also had lessons on communication skills, including giving PowerPoint presentations, working in groups, and participating in smaller team activities.

In the final week, we gained practical experience through a work placement, with some students visiting places like Cineworld and Puxton Park. The course lasted five weeks in total, and there were four weeks of classroom learning followed by one week of work experience.

Throughout the course, I improved my confidence, communication skills and how to work effectively in a team. These skills have been valuable in both my job search and everyday life.

Right from the start, I had support from a keyworker from the Moving Up team. They were available by phone or email whenever I needed help, and they continued to support me even after the course ended. Most importantly, my tutor Juliette Weaver provided exceptional guidance. She was kind, energetic, and always made sure we all felt included while offering useful resources for learning.

Shortly after completing the course, I was offered a job at Weston College as a Learning Support Assistant through Forward Futures. The transition was smoother than I expected. Juliette believed in my abilities and recommended me for the job, which made a big difference. When I started working, I found that everyone was very welcoming, and it quickly felt like a supportive team environment.

A very proud moment for me was to be recognised at the Celebration of Success awards at Weston College. It felt encouraging to see all the hard work of both learners and staff celebrated, and winning the ‘Pre-Employment Student of the Year’ award was a real boost to my confidence.

I would like to express my sincere thanks to everyone at Weston College for giving me this opportunity. The course has made a significant difference in my life. I am especially grateful to Juliette Weaver, who helped me to see my potential when I could not see it myself. Without her support and guidance, I might still be struggling to find work.