David Conyer Story
"I have been going to Prospects College on the Schools to Careers course since year ten and I am also a pupil at De La Salle School. This is now my second year at the college. I have completed my first course which is a NVQ level 1 and is worth three GCSE’S D-G grade. I am currently on my second course in Year 11 which is also worth three GCSE’S A*-C grade. My course consists of bench fitting which means I’m basically building my own tools to use in the work shop for e.g. I have made a tap wrench which could be used for putting a thread into a hole, a G clap to firmly clamp different metals together.
In years 7, 8, 9 I didn’t really know where I wanted to be when I left school. I did think of a career in forensics’ after watching all the CSI programmes. Then one day my D and T tutor told the class to make anything they wanted. I designed and made a wooden mechanical pop up machine. It was then that my tutor told me that I was good with my hands. I was told about the engineering course and jumped at the chance. I haven’t looked back since.
I really enjoy both the course and college life. I am grateful to Louise my tutor for all the help support and understanding she has given to me.
I am hoping to become an employed apprentice when I leave school and look forward to continuing my education with Prospects College."
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Ryan Conroy Story
“Since starting on the program I have completed 2 Carpentry and Joinery qualifications and have also recently finished my plastering course. I have also completed key skills in ‘Application in Numbers’ – so when I leave college, I hope to have the equivalent of 10 GCSE (grades D-G). In years 7, 8 and 9 I was a big pain in the bum, I was always in trouble or in detention. I found it very hard to concentrate on my work and to knuckle down.The school gave me an opportunity to redeem myself and told me to go along and have an interview with the “old people” at Prospects!!!!
When I first came in to College I was really looking forward to it. After a few days it was bloody hard work – it became easier once I knew what I was doing.
It took me about 6 weeks to settle down, as I was still attending school for the other days – and this was a bit confusing and hard.
Since then, I have planned what I want to do when I leave school. I have always been a practical person, always being out in the garden with my granddad making things etc. At the college I have learnt trade skills as well as learning to deal with challenges in an adult way. The last two years at college have really helped me with my personal skills and has taught me the ability to work with other people.
I plan to stay on at Prospects and continue with my Carpentry qualifications. If I hadn’t been given this chance, I might have ended up being in trouble with the police and I am thankful to the school and college staff for their patience understanding and support.”