Training opens the door to happier future for Billy
Billy Brown with trainer Rhys Hills at Peoples Business Wales in Barry.
Crippling anxieties, no self-confidence and a desire to escape from life, retreat to his bedroom and hide away from everyone was once the norm for Billy Brown.
That was until he turned his only interest and engagement with the outside world – his computer – into a career option.
The impact of a chaotic home life and the burden of carrying such intense insecurities saw Billy spend most of his teenage years sat in the corner of the room with his hoodie pulled over his head, speaking to no one.
He rare attended school, took no exams and things culminated when he locked himself in his bedroom for three years, with his only social life experience through his computer.
However, that is al behind the 18-year-old from Barry because he finally overcame his anxieties and enrolled on the Prince’s Trust Team Programme run through training provider The People Business-Wales Ltd.
Now Billy has been recognised as one of Wales’ star learners by being shortlisted for this year’s Apprenticeship Awards Cymru. He will be competing to become Traineeship Learner of the Year (Engagement) at the prestigious awards ceremony at the Celtic Manor Resort, Newport on October 20.
Jointly organised by the Welsh Government and the National Training Federation for Wales (NTfW), the coveted awards are sponsored by Pearson PLC and supported by media partner, Media Wales.
Thirty star learners, employers and learning providers involved in the delivery of successful skills programmes across Wales have been shortlisted for the Apprenticeship Awards Cymru.
The Apprenticeship Programme is funded by the Welsh Government with support from the European Social Fund.
The awards are designed to showcase and celebrate the outstanding achievements of learners, employers, tutors and assessors who have excelled in contributing to the development of the Welsh Government’s Traineeships and Apprenticeship programmes.
Three months after starting the Traineeship Engagement in February this year, Billy enjoyed a two-week work taster with Crystal IT, built friendships on the back of a residential stay and took part in a presentation before an audience.
Billy is still in training at the People Business-Wales and attends the work placement at Crystal IT full time.
Centre manager Caroline Morris-Hills said: “The change in Billy from when he started the training to now is amazing. He had no confidence, no self-respect and no expectations. He has opened so many doors and has confidence and self-worth in heaps.”
Billy said: “I’m just a happier person. Training has opened the door to who I am and what I want from life. I know I have a future; I no longer have my hood up.”
Praising the standard of applicants this year and congratulating Billy on being shortlisted for an award, Skills and Science Minister, Julie James said: “This year’s shortlisted entrants include exceptional individuals who have excelled in their workplace and learning providers and employers that have gone the extra mile to support the apprentices they are working with. Their stories never cease to amaze and inspire.
“Apprenticeships and vocational skills training are essential ingredients of economic success and vital tools in building a stronger, fairer and more equal Wales.
“These awards provide a perfect platform to celebrate success and reward the hard work and dedication of learners, employers and training providers across Wales. I wish everyone the very best of luck for the night.”
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