Because of my difficulties with reading and maths, people thought I was slow or lazy. At some point, I started to believe that myself. In Years 5 and 6, I went to a different school, where the teachers dealt with my difficulties better and helped me to improve.
Choosing a career was difficult. I was interested in training as a fashion designer because I enjoy sewing. But to enrol on the course at the Modeco vocational college, I had to sit a written exam and there was no provision for compensating for disadvantages.
At vocational college, I'm receiving support to compensate for my disadvantages and am getting good marks again.
I then decided to do a 10th year at Hull School – studying English, because I was good at it. That's when I realised that school can actually be fun, and my marks improved.
Thanks to a recommendation from a friend of my mum's, I was able to do a taster apprenticeship as an interior decorator. I really enjoyed it. I get to be creative, make things with my hands and work in different places all the time. I particularly enjoy upholstery, because it involves a lot of sewing.
Different challenges
My training company is a one-man business. In my day-to-day work, I face all sorts of challenges. Sometimes I discuss with my boss how some of his sayings are no longer appropriate in this day and age. At vocational college, I'm on a support programme for students from disadvantaged backgrounds and am getting good marks again. That's why, after my final apprenticeship examination, I want to take the vocational baccalaureate and then study business.
