Gary, 17 from Midanbury

A Connexions Personal Adviser was able to show Gary what Apprenticeship opportunities were available in the area against Gary’s own skills and abilities.

Gary comments, “This is the best job I have ever had. If there are any young people out there looking for a job I would definitely recommend Connexions, it worked for me and my friends.”

Kelly, Southampton

Kelly left school at just 14, with no qualifications, but three years later she has a job and is planning to go to college.

With the help of Connexions, Kelly, now 17, found a part-time job at a motorway restaurant before joining a year-long training scheme with Southampton City Training.

Kelly said: “When I left school, someone told me I’d never get a job, and that I’d be on the street or cleaning toilets – so I’m amazed at how far I’ve come”.

Ryan, 20, Bournemouth

Ryan studied eight GCSEs at school and passed all of them.  Achieving all GCSEs put him in good stead to work towards becoming a writer, something that he has always wanted to do.  In year 12 Ryan progressed to sixth form and passed three A-levels and one AS level.

“I decided to take a break from studying and went travelling before I went to university.  I worked in a summer camp in America.  The travelling was cool and I met some interesting people.”

Now Ryan is now in his second year of an Advertising and Marketing degree at Bournemouth University.  “I didn’t consider the other options as I was 100% sure that taking A-levels was right for me.”