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Adult Learners Week
Local student, Chris Smith, has won an Individual Learner Award for achieving a Level 3 NVQ qualification at Thanet College, overcoming a life long battle with self confidence and poor numeracy skills.
He was presented the award by Sky News presenter Charlotte Hawkins during a ceremony celebrating the National Adult Learners Week for 2009.
At the age of 24, Chris Smith has become a deputy manager of a care home, responsible for 20 staff and 25 clients.
However, he has had to overcome poor motivation, low confidence and poor numeracy skills, as well as personal issues to successfully complete his Advanced Modern Apprenticeship. He took a Modern Apprenticeship in October 2005, whilst working with children with hearing disabilities at a school in Margate. However, by April 2006 he was identified as being ‘at risk’ of not completing his full framework due to his self perception and personal issues.
With the support of his Apprentice Success Tutor, however, Chris was able to finally complete his course in 2008, having withdrawn from the programme in 2006, and persevered to find another work placement in an adult care home in September 2007.
Chris now has a much higher level of responsibility at work and has achieved NVQ Level 3 in Application of Number Key Skills, “but more than this, he overcame self doubt,” said his tutor Reg Collins.
Chris said, “I knew that without an apprenticeship I would not be able to further my career. I feel that in addition to my formal qualifications, I have developed as a person. I intend to move on to my NVQ Level 4 and my Registered Managers Award.”
An interview conducted by Radio Kent can also be listened too below.