When Lee Jones from Cwmtillery left school at 16, he had no idea what to do next with his life.
Now only months later he's marching in a very definite direction, having completed his basic training in readiness for a promising career in the army.
Lee's about-turn came thanks to Careers Wales Gwent's Youth Gateway project, which runs courses for young people aged between 15 and 18 who need extensive help or advice about training or entering employment.
During the weeklong Gateway course Lee learnt how to make the most of his CV and developed his interview techniques.
It was Lee's project leader Rhian Evans who arranged his first meeting with the army recruitment panel.
"Lee enjoyed completing the Gateway course and left with a much stronger sense of direction," explained Rhian. "When young people leave the course we continue to advise them, and in Lees case we supported him throughout the army selection process and were even invited to his passing out parade".
Youth Gateway is supported by the European Social Fund.
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