Leicester College Learner overcomes difficulties to gain qualifications to see him on the road to success

25/01/2011

Jamie Derry picked up the Achiever of the Year award at the Entry to Employment (e2e) presentation evening last night.

Through the e2e programme, which is designed to help youngsters get over obstacles that have made getting a job difficult, the help given by staff at Leicester College and partner providers, 20:20 gave Jamie the ability to overcome several personal problems to turn his life around.

Jamie was homeless and had been involved in some minor offending behaviour when he started the course. But, by channelling his energies into the programme, he achieved academically obtaining level 2 literacy and numeracy qualifications and level 1 award in art, progressing to level 3 in IT as well as heading the student committee.

From being an introverted learner, Jamie grew in confidence so much that he became a mentor for other learners joining the programme and was able to give a keynote speech at an awards presentation.

Helen Masoum, Post 16 Manager, 20:20 said: “This is a fantastic achievement for Jamie who has come on in leaps and bounds since joining the programme to improve his prospects and ultimately his quality of life. I am extremely proud of him, he sets the mark of what can be achieved through attending the e2e programme.”