Careers adviser Freya encouraged Kayla to explore short courses to help her to build back her confidence in seeking future opportunities.
Identified as dyslexic during school, Kayla often felt she did not receive the support needed to reach her full potential. She intended to pursue a career in nursing and hoped to continue her studies at college. However, after not achieving her desired exam results, her confidence was low.
Determined to gain the qualifications she needed, Kayla aimed to re-sit her English and Maths exams before starting college. She initially planned to begin her college course in January, only to be told she would have to wait until the following September. This unexpected delay left Kayla feeling discouraged and further affected her self-confidence.
Careers adviser Freya encouraged Kayla to explore two short courses funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). One was a 16-week Functional Skills course, delivered twice a week, which gave Kayla the opportunity to work on her English and Maths at a pace that suited her. It also helped her to build back her confidence.
Throughout Kayla’s journey, Freya provided practical support and guidance.
Together, they worked on improving Kayla’s time management skills and created an action plan to tackle any barriers that could affect her progress. Freya also helped Kayla obtain identification documents and access fitness activities that supported the development of a healthy routine.
During their conversations, Freya discovered that music made Kayla feel confident and capable. To help transfer that natural confidence into her career building, Freya encouraged Kayla to enrol on a six-week music programme with arts organisation Cultural Fusion. Professional musicians taught songwriting and performance skills workshops. The experience inspired Kayla so much that she wrote a song about her journey with Career Connect.
Today, Kayla plans to progress to college and eventually to university. She now feels excited about the future and sees opportunities that once felt out of reach, including possible careers in both nursing and music.
Kayla said:
“Working with Career Connect made everything less scary and stressful. Now, I am aware of opportunities that I wouldn’t have known about, and I feel able to take them up and carry on with them.”
Kayla,
Career Connect participant
Freya added:
“Kayla has the core skills and drive to achieve. She just needed the right support and guidance. Her empathy, talent and resilience will make her a real asset wherever her future takes her.”
Freya,
Trainee Careers Adviser
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