Case Studies
Barnardo's - Nick's story
Barnardo’s Windermere training centre in South London offers an alternative to mainstream school for young people keen to learn a trade.
The Windermere centre offers courses in bricklaying, carpentry, electrical installation and plumbing.
Nick, aged 18, was referred to Windermere by his technology teacher four years ago.
Spending just one day each week at the centre motivated Nick to improve his grades at school, while working towards a future in carpentry at the same time.
Nick passed GCSEs in maths, science, English language, technology and art and went on to study carpentry at Bromley College. Last year his work was recognised by Youthbuild.
Nick said: “I can honestly say that attending Windermere changed my life. It was different to school. The tutors treated me like an adult, they encouraged and challenged me, and any time I had needed them to help, they did.
“I’m now at college studying carpentry and hope to secure an apprenticeship in the near future. Long term it’s difficult to say where my career will take me, I’d love to start up my own property development company. One thing’s for sure, without my time at Barnardo’s Windermere Construction Skills Centre; I wouldn’t have dreamed I’d be thinking I could do that one day.”
Further information
Barnardo’s homepage: www.barnardos.org.uk