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Developing Employability Skills
Ethan’s Story
Ethan arrived at Elidyr in September 2022 for the ‘Foundation Education Programme’, having previously attended a specialist school in Gloucestershire. He was a capable young man, but was easily distracted and struggled to stay ‘on track’ – potentially preventing him from achieving everything we believed he could.
Tailored Programme: Supportive Direction to Stay Focused
Since Ethan started at Coleg Elidyr, the education team have provided opportunities for Ethan to build independence into tasks. This is demonstrated in Ethan’s practice and dedication towards his Skills Competitions.
By adopting ‘Total Communication’ approaches, including learner friendly recipes, the support from staff was gradually reduced, until Ethan confidently worked his way through recipes with minimal intervention. This supportive direction has helped Ethan maintain focus and complete tasks independently.
Representing Wales in World Skills UK Competitions
During the World Skills Competition, Ethan took part in Catering: Foundation Skills. Ethan worked with the education team to identify the recipes that he would like to make – a starter of beef tacos followed by a main dish of vegetable curry and naan bread.
Initially the recipe was introduced verbally with Ethan – discussing the preparation process and what would be expected of him during the skills competition. The team worked with Ethan to practice each step of the recipe and to make sure he complied with all the rules, including health and safety.
The competition presented Ethan with many challenges; travelling to Manchester, staying in an Air B&B, having to wear chefs whites, working in a professional kitchen and competing against representatives from across the UK... all of which he simply took in his stride.
"I enjoyed my cooking skills competition in Manchester. I won my silver medal; I feel proud of myself"
"My favourite work experience is at the Co-op, I enjoy my work experience here"
Ethan
Providing Ethan with the opportunity to work and build on his independence in the task increased his focus and concentration – giving him a real sense of ownership. When he completed his tasks, he would proudly inform everyone that "I made that curry all on my own!"
This increased independence and new ability to stay on task helped Ethan take home a silver medal at the finals of the skills competition. No small feat! An accolade that both Ethan and his support staff are immensely proud of!
Work Placements to Build Experience
Ethan also works hard and focuses during his many external work experience opportunities. He currently works in the local Co-op, where he is considered very much part of the team. Ethan also works at a local food bank where he helps pack bags and fulfil shopping lists. And, Ethan helps at Parc yr Esgob - Bishops Park Museum, where he carefully cleans exhibits and even shows visitors around.
“Seeing how much Ethan enjoys his work experience and skills competitions is incredibly rewarding”.
“Watching him compete in Manchester’s Skills Competition and winning a silver medal against some tough competition is a real career highlight ”.
Emily Simpson, Tutor
In all of these work placements Ethan is building employability skills, such as communication, teamwork, and reliability. All of Ethan’s work experience is meaningful, has purpose, and is relevant to him – helping provide real-world learning that he’ll carry forward into future employment and volunteering opportunities.
Next Steps
Ethan has now started the next phase of his education on our ‘Skills for Life’ programme, where he will further refine his all-important life skills, and continue with his external work experience opportunities that he enjoys so much. His confidence in his own ability has increased as his independence has grown considerably.