Bradley was looking to boost his confidence levels and make sure his computer skills were up to date. Thanks to some encouragement from his Work Coach, Bradley decided to join the course and recognised it as a place that could help! Read on below to hear more of what Bradley had to say!

What were you doing before you started the programme?
Straight after High School I went on to take a L2 Diploma in Animal Care at Askham Bryan College in Scotswood and then completed my Princes Trust award at Wansbeck Fire Station. I have also been volunteering for about five months at the Ouseburn Farm in Newcastle, helping to care for the animals there and interacting with customers. I was unemployed before starting the course.

How did you find out about the training?
From my Work Coach, Lynne. She told me about the course, encouraged me to attend and explained it could help lead to a Kickstart placement.

Why did you decide to join?
I hadn’t used computers much since college and I wanted to make sure my computer skills were up to date. I recognised the course would help me do this, and possibly help find a Kickstart opportunity.

What did you think of the training? How did it help you?
The first two days were fun, doing things I’d never done before! I worked in the sound department making the TV show. The Tutors really helped when you needed it, explaining things so it was easy to understand. It’s increased my confidence and I learned more about how to provide good customer service.

Were there any barriers or obstacles you had to overcome?
I needed to build my confidence up.

What impact has the training had on your life?
It’s made me a lot more confident. I now find it easier to talk to the public at Ouseburn in my volunteering role and I’m sure it will do the same for my Kickstart placement I’m about to start.

What are your plans for the future?
I’m going to stick in with my role at JD Sports for the next 6 months. I’ve always wanted to work in the animal industry, so would like to be doing something along these lines but in a paid role at some stage in the future.

What would you say to someone who was thinking about doing the training but wasn’t sure?
I would say go for it! How often is an opportunity like this going to appear?!