North Hertfordshire College’s Springboard provision is designed to support young people with a diagnosis or traits of Autism to build their skills, knowledge, and confidence to lead an independent life and start a career. We work with excellent teams of supportive staff to help our learners to reach their goals and feel proud of their achievements.
We caught up with Mo, who is coming to the end of their Level 1 Certificate in Employability Skills, to find out more about their Springboard learning journey and their plans for the future:
What is the most interesting part of your course?
“I definitely cannot choose just one precise aspect as there have been a multitude of things which have combined to create my positive experience of college and this course. For a start, I love the enthusiasm and patience all the staff members hold – I think people often don’t realise how much the simple action of cheering us all on really influences our mood and determination, and I’m glad the staff support us in this way.
“I’ve really enjoyed the content of the lessons too, ranging from interview skills to home skills, and the ins and outs of healthy relationships. I also cannot ignore the work experience I was provided with thanks to the support of my Success Coach, Charmaine. Due to this experience, I have been able to gather a variety of skills I would have otherwise struggled with and have also secured my first ever paid job!”
What was the most surprising thing about studying at North Hertfordshire College’s Springboard?
“Something which was surprising was just being allowed, and even encouraged, to take the time to stop and breathe. I’ve had quite a few occasions where I was pushing myself to stay in classrooms when I felt panicked or could feel uncomfortableness rising in me, as I was trained with the mindset in secondary school that staying in the room comes first. But the simple gesture of a staff member being able to recognise that I wasn’t doing okay and telling me it’s acceptable to go downstairs and take a moment for myself really impacted me and how I was able to cope within the classrooms.
“I’d like to especially thank Carys and Charmaine for providing that support, since it feels like they really understood the expression I would make when I was pushing myself too far.”
How do you think you have grown and developed during your course?
“Thanks to my keywork and mentoring sessions with Charmaine and Mikki, I have found the confidence within myself to go out and do exciting things like further study and working. I also feel uplifted when it comes to the conversation of what my future holds. No matter what route I take, I have a clear understanding of where I can go if I am in need of help and to know that the tough times are just waves that will come and go.
“I have also completed a work experience placement at a local hotel, which I adored due to the variety of new things I learned, from assistance in a kitchen to how to work the computers at reception. At the start of my placement, I was definitely timid and was worried I would be a nuisance to others, but as time went on I found the confidence in myself to speak up when I enjoyed something and reach out when I needed help.”
How has Springboard helped you plan your next steps?
“This course has given me the opportunity to work a real job and have access to a variety of sources when I am in need of searching for a paid position. There were many repeated positive conversations that I would have with staff surrounding my mental health and the steps I’m taking to ensure I am okay when it comes to work experience and creating my CV. It’s amazing to have reached these new heights and be able to confidently create CVs and cover letters without the assistance of others.
“My course officially ends in June, but I might now be finishing slightly earlier due to officially starting work at a local hotel thanks to my work experience placement. Not only this, but I plan to take on a part-time course in January to study British Sign Language, which I am really looking forward to.
“To be honest, I have no clue where I hope to be in five years’ time – but I do hope I’m still as happy as I am now.”
If you could speak to someone who is thinking of studying at Springboard, what would you say to them?
“I know how scary new things can be… Before I started Springboard, I had been out of education for roughly two and a half years because of how scared I was to go back into a classroom from my prior experiences, but it’s okay to be scared. Use that fear to push yourself to just have a look around the College, maybe stopping by for a taster or two and thinking about what you could talk about with the staff and students next if you showed up again. By the third visit, you could be ready to sign up for September.”
Thank you to Mo for sharing your story! If you’d like to find out more about North Hertfordshire College’s Springboard provision, please visit our Springboard page.