AN apprentice who left school at just 12 is celebrating securing a fulltime job thanks to the guiding hand of a leading college.
Sky Wingate spent two years being home schooled before joining Darlington College at the age of 14.
“School just wasn’t for me,” said the 18-year-old, of Darlington. “I was having to catch two buses to get to school and if I was delayed I was having to come back in the dark on my own, so I wasn’t happy. I do have anxiety and it was making it worse.
“When I was home schooled I felt lost and wasn’t doing much with my day. Then my mum heard about Darlington College and I never looked back.”
Sky enrolled on the Level 1 health and social care course followed by Level 1 and Level 2 childcare, during which time her tutors helped her secure a work placement at Darlington College’s own childcare centre.
Finally, Sky was offered the chance to do a Level 3 childcare apprenticeship which she has just completed gaining a distinction and has now been offered a permanent job at the childcare centre.
“It was quite scary at first going to college at 14 when some of the other students on the course were 20 but the tutors were really nice and made me feel welcome,” she said.
“On the apprenticeship, I had tonsilitis when I took my exams and didn’t feel very well, so I was delighted to get a distinction. Then two vacancies came up so I applied, did the interview and got the job.
“I love working at the nursery, it is the best thing and I love coming to work. It’s also helped with my anxiety because I have been coming to Darlington College for so long and am happy here.
“It’s hard work and very tiring but it is so rewarding. Ever since I came to college my life has gone to plan and I feel so lucky. College has been life-changing. Without it I wouldn’t have got my GCSEs and I don’t know what I would have done with my life.
“I would definitely recommend pre-16 college and an apprenticeship. I have got a job, I’ve no student debt, in fact I have savings, can afford to learn to drive and am considering university.”
Nursery centre manager Kelly Hodgson said: “She has been amazing and is such an inspiration to other young people showing just what can be achieved in the right environment.
“Young people can always find something that fits them and college has certainly worked for Sky as it suited her style of learning. We are so proud of her. She achieved amazing grades.”
For information on opportunities at Darlington College visit www.darlington.ac.uk.