Cooking Up A Career

He turned to Careers Wales Gwent for advice about his future and in just 12 months, Tom who is dyslexic, has turned his life around and is working towards his dream job in catering.

Tom explained: "I completed a construction course at Ebbw Vale College when I was 16, but knew it wasn't what I really wanted to do and so the college introduced me to Jayne Waters from Careers Wales Gwent."

"When I became homeless I was determined to make a better life for myself but I didn't know how to go about it. I went to see Jayne and she spent a lot of time with me discussing career options and helped me find a suitable catering course at Cross Keys College."

Jayne Waters, Community Careers Adviser for Careers Wales Gwent said: "When Tom first came to see me he had the idea that he would get a job in a factory so that he could earn some money, but I knew after I spent time talking with Tom that he was really interested in catering.

"I encouraged Tom to get some qualifications that would enable him to pursue a career in catering and took him to an interview with the catering tutor at Cross Keys College, ensuring that he would be able to have some extra help with his learning difficulties. "

Tom now attends Cross Keys College and is working towards an NVQ level 1 in catering and has plans to stay at college for another three years to achieve more qualifications, which will enable him to work in the industry.

Tom said: "I am really enjoying my catering course, I was a little worried at first about how I would afford some of the books and equipment needed for the course but Jayne helped me gain funding from 'Job Match' which is part of Blaenau Gwent Council.

"Once I have completed my catering qualifications at college I would love to become a chef and work on cruise ships. Careers Wales Gwent have helped me get my life back on track, I am no longer homeless and I am working hard to achieve a successful career in catering."