Success in the face of adversity as Ashley builds a career with law firm
A young Cardiff man, who has shown remarkable commitment to making life better for himself after a very rocky start, has been shortlisted for a prestigious national apprenticeship award.
Ashley Coleman, 18, is a finalist in the Traineeships Learner of the Year Level One category at the Apprenticeship Awards Cymru 2014. He will join 35 other finalists in 13 categories at a high profile awards ceremony at the Celtic Manor Resort, Newport on Friday, October 31.
Ashley Coleman – motivated to achieve a good career.
The awards are organised jointly by the Welsh Government and the National Training Federation for Wales (NTfW).
Showcasing excellence in skills development in Wales by learners, employers and learning providers, the awards are sponsored by Pearson PLC with support from media partner, Media Wales.
The awards recognise employers who commit to developing their workforce through apprenticeships and other work-based learning programmes, which support employees during their training. They are also a great way to evaluate training and development, as well as a fantastic motivational factor for any workforce or learner.
The Apprenticeship Programme in Wales is funded by the Welsh Government with support from the European Social Fund.
Ashley is delighted that his efforts are paying off and has secured an apprenticeship with commercial law firm Darwin Gray.
He was taken out of primary school and home-schooled, then had to leave home at a young age. With no GCSEs and limited prospects, he was determined to work towards qualifications and worked extremely hard on an engagement programme with ACT Training.
His confidence improved and he secured a placement at Darwin Gray, where he impressed bosses so much they have now offered him an apprenticeship.
“I’m really happy to have finally reached success,” he said. “My confidence and skills have improved so much and I’m more motivated than ever to achieve a good career.”
Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology, Julie James said: “Vocational training provides learners with the skills, qualifications and experience they need whilst helping our businesses to grow. These awards are a chance for us to recognise the wealth of talent we have in Wales.
“The dedication that Ashley has shown to improve his prospects is really inspirational. His example proves that a traineeship is an excellent route to an apprenticeship. I’m so pleased that he has now been given the opportunity to continue to develop his skills and knowledge.
“I’d like to wish Ashley all the very best of luck for the Apprenticeship Awards.
More than 300 key stakeholders from the vocational education and training sector across Wales are expected to attend the high profile awards ceremony, where guests will dine out with chefs from the Welsh National Culinary Team.
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