17-year-old Lewis joined YMCA Training Salford with no
formal qualifications. He wanted to improve his Maths and English
and gain a vocational qualification.
Lewis wanted to pursue a career because he wanted to stand up
for himself and make a break from the external peer pressures of
crime and drugs in the Salford area.
The first few weeks were hard for Lewis - he wasn't used to
studying and it took time for him to work with others without being
disruptive. When he first joined the programme, Lewis also had
anger management issues, and was angry and volatile. He is now a
lot calmer and more in control of his feelings and is more
respectful with less unpredictable mood swings.
After waiting for a vacancy on the horticulture programme, a
suitable opening came up at Salford Council. Lewis impressed
everyone during the interview and has now progressed onto a paid
Horticulture Apprenticeship.
Mark Wainwright from Salford Council, said: "Lewis has been
reliable, trustworthy, hard working and he gets on well with the
staff and other apprentices. He has been placed in a team that is
hard to please but they have no issues with him. If he continues
like this he will be a candidate for a full time employment
position."
Lewis said: "I came to YMCA Training with nothing, but they have
helped me to develop and improve my skills and my attitude towards
life. I used to get into trouble with the police and with other
gangs, but now I have no time to be getting into trouble and I am
putting all my efforts into work.
I now have lots of qualifications and skills and the chance of
getting a job which will give me a better quality of life"