Youth Choices gives Adam a confidence boost
After completing courses in interactive media and computer science at college, Adam ended up working for a sportswear shop but disliked it.
He met Breakthrough’s Youth Choices Co-ordinator Richard and decided to try the course, which gives young disabled people support with getting into employment.
He said, “I really enjoyed the courses at college, but I’ve not been doing much since then and I haven’t worked for three years.”
Adam experiences barriers around communicating, and feels this has affected socialising and working towards getting into employment.
He added, “When I first heard about the Youth Choices course I thought it would be good to have someone to help me out and to boost my confidence.
“I was a bit nervous for the first two or three weeks but then it helped working in small groups with the other people.”
Adam has been on to a work placement at Reform Radio, working in music production and on the microphones and is returning to work with them again.
He also has a voluntary position starting at the Garrick Theatre, Stockport, learning about sound engineering.
He said, “I just had a one-to-one with Reform Radio this afternoon and spoke about a few things. I’m going to volunteer there soon in a few weeks and will be working with small groups there again to boost my confidence a bit more.
“I do feel like I’m coming out of my shell at the moment but still aiming to feel like I can approach strangers without feeling shy or nervous.
“Also they’ve helped me find music production classes that’ll be every Thursday and having 1 to 1 learning with one of the Reform Radio staff to learn more about production and possibly DJing as well.
“I’m hoping all of this will boost my chance to get an apprenticeship placement for the BBC as I am dedicated and motivated that I want to work for radio. The Youth Choices course has helped me to do these things.”
Youth Choices runs for eight weeks, and covers all aspects of job searching, CVs, interviews, plus confidence and self-esteem.
