Careers advice gave Taylor-Ann the confidence to apply to her ideal college course after leaving school due to bullying.
From school to home
With her parents support, Taylor-Ann decided to leave mainstream education after being bullied at school about her sexuality. The homophobic bullying had a negative impact on Taylor-Ann’s confidence and mental health.
Taylor-Ann’s parents made a plan for her to continue learning at home. She had a private tutor at home to do Maths and English GCSEs. She also completed a level 2 BTEC in Personal Growth and Wellbeing.
Taylor-Ann knew at this stage that she wanted to find a job within performing arts.
Support with next steps
Careers Adviser John Weston met with Taylor-Ann at the Aberdare careers centre to help her look at her career options. During the session they discussed Taylor-Ann’s interests, including performing arts, and what her best college and university options might be.
Together they developed a plan for the coming months detailing her best next steps.
Taylor-Ann was also caring for her mother, so John referred her to Young Carers. She joined a support group with the organisation at Nantgarw. This helped increase Taylor-Ann’s confidence, improve her mental health and prepare her more for college.
Securing a future
Taylor-Ann and her parents had thought they would wait until she was 16 to apply for college places.
With John’s advice and support, Taylor-Ann applied for the E3 performing arts course at Coleg Y Cymoedd based on her predicted grades whilst she was in year 10. She was offered an unconditional place for the following year.
Taylor-Ann said: “I started off wrecked with nerves and felt stressed under pressure. I was worried I didn’t know where I wanted to go.
“I felt really refreshed and excited after the first meeting with John. Going to college seemed a chance to get a new education experience, meet people and attend a course that met my needs.
“I was very happy and hugely motivated.”
Support from Careers Wales
Taylor-Ann’s mum, Donna, said: “It’s just been me, Taylor-Ann and her father, so it was amazing to have the amount of support and information we had after seeing John.
“John’s been our biggest help as I didn’t know where to turn, who to go to or what to do next.
“He listened to what I had said as well, but also encouraged me to let Taylor make her own decision.”
Taylor-Ann’s father, Mark, said: “Whether it was to look at colleges, university, a job or work experience, John took the time to explain. We were signposted to events where we could just turn up and get the information we needed.”
John, Taylor-Ann's Careers Adviser said: “Taylor-Ann recognised that she couldn't change her past and we discussed coping strategies when dealing with homophobic comments in the future.
“Taylor-Ann was unaware how vibrant the creative industries sector is in Wales and I was delighted watching her reaction as we explored the sector together.
“She is such a motivated young person who will achieve great things, with continued support.
“I'm looking forward to seeing her name ‘in lights’ in the future.
“She's a credit to her parents, but more importantly herself!”
If you would like to explore your interests and opportunities with a careers adviser, please contact us today.