After realising that working at Amazon wasn’t the right route, James Smith was referred to NEWSA by Careers Wales – and has never looked back.

“I can’t believe how much my life has changed and how much I’ve achieved and progressed,” James said.

“During my training, the support I received from the NEWSA tutors was excellent and they were there whenever I needed them. I could tell they really care about their work and all their learners.”

When she joined the Skills Academy, ambitious James decided to enrol on the FLT pathway.

She gained a full understanding of top skills demanded by employers.

Dan Collin joined NEWSA in March 2021 after being recruited through his local Jobcentre. The 42-year-old had been brought up in foster care and was diagnosed with ADHD as a child. He had previously found it difficult to find regular, paid employment as a young adult and found himself moving from job to job with little security.

After qualifying at the end of the HGV course he started a four-week work placement at JCB Transmissions in Wrexham. He was soon offered a full-time post as a driver and has seen his role grow to include warehouse operations and shift manager