Students unhappy with their GCSE results can take heart from one Senghenydd teenager who has carved out a career as a youth worker despite gaining only two of the qualifications.
Ashley Pearce, 19, faced an uphill battle to get a job with his poor exams – especially in the current economic climate.
However, after signing up with a work-based trainer he found his true calling in the area of youth work.
Ashley was sent on a placement to the Senghenydd Youth Drop-in Centre, which he used to attend , by training firm ACT.
He discovered he had a talent for working with youngsters and while his confidence grew he began winning awards for his work.
A job at the centre followed and he is now completing an apprenticeship in business administration – supported by ACT.
Ashley said: “I really enjoy working at the centre and I definitely think this was a good route for me, as I don’t just sit in the class, it is much more hands on. I feel much more confident in the workplace now and I feel I’m making a difference.”
He has also recently returned from a two-month exchange programme in the French Alps, which, he said had motivated him to continue with helping the community and ignited an ambition to work with youth projects abroad one day.
David Bruntten, manager of the Senghenydd centre recalled that Ashley had been a bit of a handful when he was younger, but he added: “He came to us on placement, achieved his qualifications and he’s now an ultra-reliable guy. He has been given the opportunity to work in his own community where he is making great contributions and furthering himself at the same time.”
ACT Managing Director Andrew Cooksley said: “Apprenticeships offer hundreds of different opportunities to young people and provide the foundation of careers that can lead them to very senior well-paid jobs and rewarding careers. It’s important that young people look at the work-based learning approach when considering their options after receiving their exam results.”