UK
Teenager who struggled at school finds caring role after a taste of different jobs
A tenager who struggled at school has been named one of the UKs top achievers.
Terrence Edwards, 18, from Newport, was lacking in confidence and unsure of his future last year, but he has now turned his prospects and has just received youth training charity Rathbone Cymrus Skill Build trophy for his work with older people.
The teenager who went to Westminster to collect his award, benefited from the charitys Skill Build course, which gives young people a taste of a range of different jobs to help them find out what kind of work they want to do. Through the course, Terrence first gained experience working in a shop before undertaking a placement at the Florence Justice Christian Residential Home in Newport.
The former Lliswerry Comprehensive High School student, who has lived with and looked after his grandparents for most of his life, soon realised he had an aptitude for caring for others.
Gemma Bailey, a Newport-based Rathbone Cymru tutor, said: When Terrence came to us he was low on confidence and felt uncomfortable about mixing with people of his own age. His attendance was poor and he struggled to concentrate on his work. Work experience at a local high street store built him up but it was during his time helping older people eat, drink and take regular exercise that he really excelled.
Terrences politeness, punctuality and willingness to learn, impressed staff at Florence Justice and his tutors and peers at Rathbone Cymru. He now wants to continue his journey by tackling an apprenticeship in Elderly Care.
He said: I think that looking after older people is really rewarding and its just as important as caring for children. I like organising activities for the old folks. This is definitely the job I want to do and one day I hope to run my own residential care home.
Presented by Vernon Coaker, Minister of State for Schools and Learners, the awards also honour those who have helped young people to achieve.
Katie Norman,
5 November 2009
