Real life stories
Katy gets on in life
When 19-year-old Katy Robson needed advice on her future, she knew exactly where to turn – thanks to some previous careers advice she’d sought.
Katy, who is a twin and lives at home in Stockton-on-Tees with her parents, left Grangefield School in Stockton armed with GCSEs to enable her to study a BTEC National Diploma in Sport at Hartlepool College of Further Education, which she passed in 2010.
Katy applied for University, hoping to study a Degree in Occupational Health, but was rejected due to demand for the course at the universities she wanted to go to. Unsure what to do next, Katy took a volunteering opportunity with the Hope Foundation – a learndirect centre – in the Café, fulfilling an ambition to gain experience in hospitality and catering.
At a loss and unsure where to turn to help gain more varied skills and experience, Katy decided to try the Prince’s Trust programme whilst she waited for the opportunity to re-apply to university. She completed the programme and enjoyed the experience, but remained keen to continue in her development. Through the Hope Foundation, Katy had access to careers advice - and she has never looked back.
Katy said:
“It was a blow not to be accepted into university and I wanted to do something that would enable me to continue to learn and develop whilst I waited to re-apply. I got some impartial careers advice and through my adviser Martin Kempson I am well on my way to gaining new skills.”
Katy and adviser Martin originally discussed short term employment opportunities and Martin worked with Katy on using online tools, which she used for the first time to prepare her first ever CV.
From there Katy used the online job search function and it confirmed what she has always known – that her skills fit with a future in care, followed closely with hospitality.
Through the support received, Katy has now not only secured an interview for a part-time position in a hotel, but she has also secured herself a firm offer from university to start her degree in 2012.
Adviser Martin said:
“Katy came to me looking for advice and support to help her move on in life. By working together she is in a better position now – with an interview planned, a CV ready and a firm offer from university. Katy is a self starter and has done fantastically well to achieve her qualifications and she is now a more confident young woman, with lots more experience behind her and an exciting future ahead.”
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