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Laura’s future is set to bloom

Laura’s future is set to bloom

Laura said, “ I'm really looking forward to starting my floristry course, meeting new people and making new friends. Steps to Work have helped me so much on the courses I have been on. I'm sad to leave Steps but I'm now ready for a new challenge”

Laura, 17, had been on the Moving on Up programme at Steps to Work before taking part in the Step Ahead Programme– a course designed specifically for young people who are NEET, (Not in Education, Employment or Training.)

Laura’s attendance and motivation had been very poor during her ‘Moving on Up’ days and after some one to one tutor support and encouragement Laura agreed to give herself a chance and find something that she really enjoyed and chose more qualifications to keep herself motivated. Whilst on the Step Ahead

Programme, Laura took part in ICT Clait and gained certificates in literacy in numeracy, business administration and passed with flying colours .

Laura required some guidance to tease out what her passions where and what she could see herself possibly doing as a career so that her hours on the programme would settle down and her weekly routine would provide her with some stability. Laura hadn't got any qualifications before attending Steps to Work as she found learning at school very difficult and used to truant most weeks.

Laura attended a foundation learning session, incorporating some mock interviews and interview techniques to help Laura with her initial interview at Rodbaston College.

“The environment here is so much better to work in than it was in school, I enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere and the activities we have been given to do, that's why I have chosen to stay and progress to the Step Ahead programme” added Laura.

After another chat with her tutor, Laura decided that Floristry appealed to her the most out all the courses that she had looked into. Laura’s tutor Jean, attended the interview with her and gave her some last minute tips and encouraged her to give it ago.

After an informal talk with the college, Laura will now be starting her course in September 2011, and can’t wait to get involved in something totally new.