Having attended three different secondary schools, he struggled to settle in any of them. It wasn't due to poor behaviour or a lack of ability; he simply learned differently. He thrived through practical activities rather than classroom-based learning and found it difficult to engage in a traditional educational setting.
Reflecting on that time, Arwyn said: "I always hated school. I had no idea what I was going to do in the future."
When he joined our Young People’s Employment Engagement programme run in partnership with Abergele Community Action, we worked with him to create a personalised learning pathway that suited his strengths and interests. Through a series of short, focused and bespoke training opportunities, he began developing the skills, confidence and motivation needed to move forward. Being able to use more informal settings, such as the Abergele Youth Den, helped him to settle in. It felt less school or education-based, which made a positive difference. Applying Youth Work processes and principles also helped to engage him effectively and build a stronger relationship.
Over several months, he successfully achieved accredited qualifications in:
- Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW)
- Food Safety
- Fire Safety Awareness
- Allergen Awareness
- Customer Service and Handling Complaints
- Communication in the Workplace
- Safeguarding
- Working in a team
As his confidence grew, he expressed an interest in construction. We supported him to complete a construction-focused training programme, gaining qualifications in:
- Manual Handling
- Health and Safety in Construction
- Ladder Safety
- Working at Heights
- Asbestos Awareness
He then successfully completed his CSCS touchscreen test, and we supported him in applying for his Labourer's Green Card, ensuring he had the necessary credentials to access employment opportunities within the construction industry.
The support didn't stop there. We referred him to our Employment Mentor within Conwy Employment Hub, who supported us with his journey towards employment. Through this partnership approach, funding was secured for him to gain his Forward Tipping Dumper Licence, while an employer agreed to cover the cost of the required medical assessment.
Shortly afterwards, he was offered full-time employment with a local construction company.
Alongside supporting him into work, we also helped him submit an application to college, ensuring he had a back-up plan and additional progression route available to him. He was successfully offered a place, providing further reassurance and future opportunities.
Reflecting on what he has achieved, Arwyn said: "I've achieved many qualifications which have helped build my CV and made me far more employable. I feel like a lot of opportunities have opened up for me."
The transformation in Arwyn has been remarkable. The impact has extended beyond qualifications and employment, helping him build confidence, develop workplace skills and create a positive outlook for the future.
When asked how the support had helped him move forward, his answer was simple: "It got me a good-paying job."
Perhaps one of the most powerful endorsements comes from Arwyn's family, who have witnessed first-hand the changes in his confidence, motivation and future prospects.
His mum said with pride: "The importance of your service to young people who don't always fit into the current education system is of the utmost importance. Programmes like this prove the need for alternative approaches to learning and that it works. I'm incredibly proud of what Arwyn has achieved in such a short time with your help and guidance."
Arwyn's journey demonstrates that when young people are given the right support, practical opportunities and someone who believes in them, they can achieve incredible things. Sometimes success isn't about fitting into the system – it's about finding a pathway that allows individuals to thrive.
Today, Arwyn is employed, qualified and looking forward to the future. A young person who once felt disconnected from education now has the skills, confidence and opportunities to build a successful career.
If you would like us to help you, please call us on 01492 575578.