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From Work Ready to Workplace Hero: James' Success
Date Published: 31/07/2025
View all news storiesFrom Learner to Leader: How James Found Confidence, Purpose and a Future Through KT&A
James was enrolled onto the Work Ready programme prior to starting his Supported Internship. During his time on the Work Ready programme he gained life skills and employability skills which boosted his confidence and he overcame a lot of barriers that he found in previous educational settings, that he felt prevented him from learning and achieving as well as he could have. James felt the smaller class sizes helped him feel more engaged and enabled him to learn without anxiety and stress. He developed interpersonal skills within the classroom, and used these skills to support other students, he became a mentor figure towards his peers and helped his classmates who had high anxiety.
James completed his work experience with Community Learning and Skills at Margate Adult Education Centre as a Teaching Assistant supporting students with a range of needs. James has excelled in his work experience placement, the tutor he was supporting as Teaching Assistant requested for him to stay on longer, this supported James to then progress onto a Supported Internship.
On his Supported Internship, James has continued to be a Teaching Assistant for CLS classes. He's also supported the Learner Experience Team in Margate, along with supporting Kent Training & Apprenticeship staff with administrative duties. James was especially good at contacting and engaging new employers to support our students with Work Placements. James has recently engaged Tesco's who are now willing to offer work experience placements to KT&A learners as well as the Margate Caves. James has also arranged for guest speakers to come and speak to CLS and KT&A classes including the Police, EKC college, Social Enterprise Kent and the Mayor of Margate.
James has become a key member at the Margate Adult Education centre, with all staff there recognising his amazing work ethic, James has been a real asset for us all at the centre.
James has really transformed into the most helpful, intuitive member of staff. He is punctual, cheerful and caring. He has faced some difficult behaviours from learners in class but with a smile on his face. His energy and spirit are beyond measurable. He is a valued staff member who keeps us all positive and moving forward even on the bad days. His saying of 'oh what a day' live with us! He is a key team player and one of our own.
Employer - CLS Tutor
I started KT&A in April 2024 on the Work Ready course, being on this course has boosted my confidence and beliefs in myself. Everyone involved with KT&A has been really supportive and understanding. The course helped me progress onto the next level by starting a Supported Internship.