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Jake is moving on with a little help from his friends!

Jake is moving on with a little help from his friends!

Jake said, “ I’m feeling positive about my future and looking forward to starting at Rodbaston College. Steps to Work have helped me with my reading and writing skills which I know I’ll need for my future. Ive really enjoyed the last 6 months on the programme”

Jake had been a student at Westcroft Special School up until June 2010, where he then enrolled at Wolverhampton College on a skills for working life course.

Struggling with reading and writing, Jake found the college environment very daunting and his lack of confidence made the whole process uncomfortable for him. Jake wasn't sure what to do next as he didn't want to just leave without having something else to move onto, and so, Connexions referred Jake to the Step Up programme at Steps to Work.

At first, Jake found it very difficult to work in groups and to make friends as he was very shy and lacked confidence. Jake didn't know how to speak to others and communicate in discussions without getting nervous and worried.

During the first few months of being on programme, Jake became more relaxed in an environment that suited his style of learning and soon started to enjoy basic skills sessions to improve his literacy and numeracy.

Team building activities gave Jake a boost in self motivation, improved his communication skills and started to make friends, helping Jake improve his social skills and help  towards his next step to further education.

Jake soon pucked up the courage to apply for Rodbaston College. Through the support of his tutor, Jake prepared for his interview and decided to enrol on a course in animal care.

Interview training was a huge part of Jakes on going confidence and self esteem, that has enabled him to attend his interview at Rodbaston College. Jake impressed the course tutor with his enthusiasm for learning and will now be moving to college in September 2011.