Lancashire-based colllege teacher encourages pupils to embrace the power of education

In the later years of high school, I found myself disillusioned with traditional education. The academic path seemed rigid and unappealing, offering little for those interested in alternative careers. This changed in 2005 when I enrolled in the ERIC Wright Learning Foundation (EWLF) as a very young 14 year old. The experience transformed my perspective on education, boosting my confidence and providing a clearer vision of my future. This journey from a struggling student has taught me the profound impact of education and the importance of giving back.

Education had always felt restrictive, confining me to a narrow path that didn't resonate with my interests. However, my enrolment at EWLF marked the beginning of a significant shift. The foundation's approach was different; it emphasised vocational skills and practical learning, which immediately appealed to me. Over the next two years, my confidence grew, my behaviour improved, and my focus sharpened. I no longer felt inadequate. Instead, I began to see intelligence as multifaceted, with vocational skills being as valuable as academic ones.

By the end of my time at EWLF, I had not only won the Student of the Year award but also gained expertise in three different crafts at distinction level. This period was crucial in reshaping my self-perception. I attribute much of my success to the dedicated tutors who mentored me. Their guidance and belief in my potential were instrumental in my transformation.

The EWLF scholarship program opened doors and led me to Preston College, where I completed a three-year apprenticeship. This training laid the foundation for a successful career, enabling me to start my own business and co-direct another venture. My career also took me abroad; I spent time in Bulgaria working with a charity to retrofit an orphanage. These experiences were invaluable, broadening my horizons and reinforcing the lessons I had learned at EWLF. The tutors that built my confidence and finetuned my aspirations still work at Preston college today in which they often remind me of the days I was harder to motivate.

In August 2017, I began volunteering at Preston College, which had recently partnered with the Eric Wright Learning Foundation (EWLF). It felt like my journey had come full circle, as I was now teaching the very program that had once provided me with a completely new outlook on life. Almost seven years later, I am proud to hold the position of Assistant Head, leading a superb team of over 60 staff. Our alternative context provision with EWLF has grown to become one of the largest in the country. Recently, I had the privilege of organising and presenting the EWLF awards. Standing on that stage, presenting the same award that had kickstarted my journey, was a powerful reminder of the transformative power of education.

Never underestimate the power of education—embrace it and become your mentor.