Leeds City College

Flynt McAndrew is finally pursuing his dream of working in civil engineering after gaining a life-changing boost from a Prince’s Trust course.

The 21 year old had known for a long time that he wanted to work in the sector, and had even got some work experience – which he relished – under his belt. But his lack of an English GCSE kept holding him back as he found it was an essential requirement for lots of job opportunities he was interested in.

That all changed, however, after Flynt – tired of working in a few dead-end jobs and determined to re-focus on engineering – joined the Prince’s Trust Get Started with Engineering and Computing Programme at Leeds City College.

The four day course included workshops in robotics, game design and sheet metal bending and was designed to give an overview of roles within the engineering and digital sectors.

Flynt took the opportunity of his involvement with the Prince’s Trust programme to also enrol into an adult learning course to complete his English GCSE. And then, after taking part in some Employability workshops and further events with the Prince’s Trust, he heard about an opportunity for a civil engineering apprenticeship.

Flynt applied and was accepted, and is now relishing the chance to get started.

His tutor said: “Flynt has thrown himself into every opportunity and has shown his determination and motivation to make it in engineering.

“He is just about to start his apprenticeship, alongside completing his English GCSE, and we can’t wait to see what he’ll be up to this time next year!”

A celebration of learning

As part of the Festival of Learning campaign, Luminate Education Group is celebrating learners and their experiences as they pursue their dreams.

Festival of Learning, is a national campaign to promote the benefits of lifelong learning.

The group – which comprises Leeds City College, Keighley College, Harrogate College, White Rose Academies Trust, Yorkshire Centre for Training and Development (YCTD) and University Centre Leeds – is also working with local partners to deliver programmes that develop skills and support the wellbeing of adults.