Lewis's Story

Lewis’ Story


Lewis self-referred to the Employability and Skills Service after health conditions had prevented him continuing along the education route. At the time he was undertaking a time limited work-experience placement at DWP and wasn’t sure what he should do next. Lewis has always wanted to be a Primary School Teacher, so we decided to make this our focus.

 

“I am much clearer about my route. Before the service I didn’t have a plan or much hope about my future”

 

At the end of 2017 we supported Lewis to apply for a place on the HNC in Childhood Practice at Dumfries and Galloway College. He also needed to take his Higher English to get into university the following year, so we provided support to access a Holywood Trust Grant to pay for this.

Lewis was successful in getting into college, however decided to move onto the Social Science Higher course instead. We helped him apply for bursaries and continued to help him apply for work whilst in college.

In the summer before starting college, Lewis attended Step into Care which gave him further qualifications such as First Aid at Work and a placement within a primary school for a full term. This meant that he had significantly more to write about when it came to completing his UCAS application.

The Employability and Skills Service supported Lewis to apply to the University of Glasgow to study an MA in Primary Education. Unfortunately due to the high calibre of applicants, Lewis was unsuccessful in being offered a place, but received a conditional offer on the MA Health and Social Policy degree instead, which will allow him to do his PGDE in teaching upon completion.

 

“Anything I’ve needed help with, Employability and Skills have been there. They are friendly, approachable and easy to chat with”

 

Through application and interview support, Lewis has also been successful in gaining a Casual Classroom Assistant role with Dumfries and Galloway Council. This has given him some income whilst he studies and fits in really well with his interests.

Lewis will sit his exams in May with a view to going to University in September.   

 

“I now have a life career plan, hope to one day become a teacher and feel so much happier these days”