Tammi’s story

Support helped Tammi take the next step towards a future that she had never thought was possible.

When Tammi was thinking about her future, she was not sure what options would be available to her.

Tammi has learning and physical disabilities. Over the years, she has had support from Alison, the careers adviser at her school.

Exploring different opportunities

Through regular one-to-one sessions, Alison has supported Tammi to explore future options. She has also helped her to develop her confidence, skills and independence.

Tammi said, "Alison talked to me about different pathways. We spoke about starting college and learning about different life skills. She helped me think about what I need for when I leave school.”

As part of the support, Alison helped Tammi think about work experience opportunities. She encouraged her to explore different environments.

Together, they discussed career ideas, including working as a teaching assistant. They identified opportunities that would help her develop new skills and experiences.

Building her understanding and experience

Over the years, Tammi has taken part in group careers sessions in class. She has also participated in mock interviews and employer visits. She attended the Careers Wales "What Next?" event, where she met training providers and employers.

These activities have supported her understanding of employability skills, education and training opportunities. They have helped introduce her to the world of work.

Tammi also completed a supported work experience placement within the school. She then went on to do an independent placement outside of school this year.

Looking at college

Tammi has taken part in college link activities. During these, she discovered a particular interest in creative media. She began considering whether a full-time mainstream college course could be an option. At first, this felt like a big step.

Tammi said, "With a disability, I thought that I wouldn’t be able to do it. But talking to Alison, I managed to understand the full course. I felt more confident about getting into a mainstream college."

With Alison's support, Tammi completed her college application. She successfully gained a place on a full-time Level 1 Media course.

Tammi added, "Without Alison, I just wasn't able to do it on my own."

Helping a young person find their voice

For Tammi's mum, Dawn, the support went beyond helping with education and career decisions. She saw a big increase in her daughter's confidence and ability to advocate for herself.

Dawn said: "It was really down to Tammi's one-to-one chats with Alison. These helped her realise what she thought she was capable of doing and wanted to do.

"It was the time that Alison took to actually understand Tammi and Tammi's needs and what she wants to do."

Dawn believes that being listened to and understood has helped Tammi build her confidence. It has enabled her to speak up about issues that matter to her and continue in her role as a youth ambassador.

A bright future

Tammi has now started a full-time Level 1 Media course at college. She is excited about starting college, but is keeping an open mind about the future.

She said, "I don't have to decide on the spot. I can decide what I want to do."

For now, her focus is on continuing her studies and supporting others.

"Representing people with learning disabilities, that's what I want to carry on doing. And just be myself, really, and carry on with what I want to do."

Looking back, Tammi says the support helped her understand what was possible. It gave her the confidence to make decisions about her future.

Dawn would encourage other parents to explore the support available through Careers Wales.

She said, "Alison has shown all the different avenues that are available for our young people.

"For us, she’s helped us believe anything's possible."

If you would like to explore your interests and opportunities with a careers adviser, please contact us today.

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