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James, Wolverhampton Inspire Programme

James, Wolverhampton NEETs Inspire Programme

James added, “I have improved my communication skills and made friends here at Steps to Work. I finally feel like I am getting somewhere with my life"

Coming from a large family, James (17) is about to become a father for the first time. James’ ambitions lay in getting his own accommodation for his new family as well as wanting to complete a catering apprenticeship.

James was referred to the Inspire Programme at Steps to Work Wolverhampton, by Connexions, a training course designed to help learners achieve and realise their ambitions and improve their current skill level, before moving forward into further education, employment or training.

Having a learning difficulty, James has never given up on trying to achieve his learning goals which will lead to future sustainable employment.

When James first joined the Inspire programme, it was identified that James needed support and motivation to plan, prioritise and organise his ambitions into an achievable list that he could tackle once at a time.

“I felt I wasn’t getting anywhere at all. I didn’t know where I was going with my life and with a baby on the way, things just seemed more and more complicated” added James.

James took advice from his Tutor and also completed training courses in literacy, numeracy and ICT skills, equality and diversity, improving his current skill level dramatically and giving him confidence and motivation in looking for an apprenticeship.

Whilst taking part in the Inspire programme, James also became aware of healthy living, budgeting, bulling, drugs awareness and alcohol awareness.

James also enjoyed days out, where he has  mad new friends in a similar position to him, and also became involved in  team building activities as his confidence grew, such as ice skating.

James worked closely with his Project Officers exploring all options and providers and was helped to secure a place on a foundation learning course at Rathbone Training, giving James an opportunity to gain an apprenticeship in catering.

James can now tick off of some of the goals he had when he joined the Inspire programme and has made head way in his journey to achieve a better life for himself and his young family.