Adam's Digging Deep with Telford College

Adam’s time at school was not a happy one. He had several periods of suspension and eventually exclusion, without having achieved any formal qualifications. This resulted in him having to attend a variety of “Alternative” education projects, none of which suited him or encouraged him to engage.

Eventually, Adam was referred onto the Telford College “Aspire” course in May 2010 by Connexions. Aspire is a 12-week, two day a week course which is designed to re-engage students who are NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training). It includes a mix of class work and out of college visits which encourage teamwork, leadership etc. whilst also helping to develop work and employment skills.

Adam completed the “Aspire” course successfully and, in September 2010, he enrolled on the Foundation Learning “Engage” course. This course helps develop a range of personal qualities and provides a stepping stone onto further training or employment. At the end of the “Engage” course, Adam achieved a variety of vocational qualifications, including Edexcel Workskills and Functional Skills. Adam was nominated for “Student of the Month” midway through the course and, at the end of the year, attended the Telford College Celebration of Work Awards Evening and accepted a Foundation Learning “Student of The Year” Award.

Adam took an active part in the Foundation Learning “Sportability” club and also regularly volunteered to do various land-based activities in the College gardens. Adam’s tutors helped him to find part-time work as a labourer and he was also supported in establishing his own business as a part-time garden landscaper.

In September 2011 Adam successfully enrolled on the full-time “Land-based, Motor-Vehicle and Construction” course.