Elliot turns his life around to be shortlisted for top learner award
Elliot Stephens has taken chance to turn his life around.
Elliot Stephens has turned his life round with the help of Coleg QS and Newport business AM Plastering.
The 18-year-old left school with few qualifications, fell in with the wrong crowd and was under the supervision of the Youth Offending Service when he started with Cwmbran-based Coleg QS. Now his learning journey has put him in contention to win a major award at the Apprenticeship Awards Cymru 2015.
Elliot is one of three finalists shortlisted in the Traineeship Level One Learner of the Year category at the high profile awards ceremony to be held at the Celtic Manor Resort, Newport on Thursday, October 29.
The coveted awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of those who have exceeded expectations, shown a dynamic approach to training and demonstrated initiative, enterprise, innovation, creativity and commitment to the improvement of skills development for the Welsh economy.
Jointly organised by the Welsh Government and the National Training Federation for Wales (NTfW), the awards are sponsored by Pearson PLC and media partner is Media Wales. The Apprenticeship Programme in Wales is funded by the Welsh Government with support from the European Social Fund.
Elliot had previously worked with a training provider, going on placements in kitchens at KFC and Bron Afon Housing before deciding that he wanted to go on Coleg QS’s construction programme.
Now he has a host of Level 1 construction qualifications in his toolbox that have led to full time employment with AM Plastering and a Foundation Apprenticeship in plastering.
He showed his determination to succeed with his work placement by making four bus trips daily from Cwmbran to Newport where he quickly demonstrated his growing skills base to his work placement bosses at AM Plastering.
Rhianna Noyes, from Coleg QS, said: “Elliot has used work-based learning to his full potential. He is what the Traineeship programme is all about.”
Elliot said: “I have put the past behind me and want to thank Coleg QS and AM Plastering for giving me the chance to show I could change. I have grown in confidence as they have believed in me.”
Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology Julie James congratulated Elliot and the other 36 award finalists. “We have some truly exceptional apprentices and learners here in Wales and the Apprenticeship Awards Cymru provide a perfect platform for us to celebrate their hard work and achievements,” she said.
“Equally important are the training providers and employers who go the extra mile to support their apprentices. Developing skilled young people is vital for our economy. The Welsh Government is committed to training programmes such as Apprenticeships but investment must be a shared responsibility with the education sector, businesses and individuals.”
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