Tailored support enabled Frankie to get started in her ideal career.
16 year old Frankie was educated at home whilst she was a carer for both her mum and dad. She unfortunately lost her father in the autumn of 2023.
Whilst grieving, Frankie felt encouraged to look at what options she had for her future.
She said: “After I lost my dad, I felt like I needed something to do as I was just at home all day. I was looking after my mum, but I had so much time to think about how sad I felt.”
A package of support
Frankie met with careers adviser Anita at the Newport careers centre. They talked through Frankie’s options, including her ambitions to work in hairdressing.
Anita also helped Frankie to apply to take some GCSEs with the local education authority. Anita secured additional support for Frankie to understand the requirement of the exams and supply her with tools and online resources to prepare.
Additionally, Anita submitted a referral for support for young carers through Barnardo’s.
Next steps
Frankie was very keen to attend Newport college to do a level 1 hairdressing course. When they held an open day, Anita encouraged the college to provide a time slot for young people who had been educated at home.
Anita attended the college event with Frankie, where they were able to go on a tour and speak to tutors. Frankie loved the facilities and was very keen to start. She was soon accepted onto the course.
Frankie also expressed an interest in applying for employment. Anita helped her to complete a CV. She supported Frankie to understand the process of applying for jobs and apprenticeships.
Apprenticeship success
Frankie got in touch with Anita for support with deciding her next steps when she was offered an interview for an apprenticeship at a local hairdresser.
She explained: “I saw that the salon were advertising on Facebook for more stylist and junior stylists. So I messaged them with my CV and they got back saying they’d like to interview me.”
Anita said: “Frankie was really torn about whether she wanted to apply for this or go to college as she had her heart set on going to college. We discussed the importance of keeping options open. We also talked about the positives of going to an interview and how useful it would be to understand what is involved if she didn't get the job.”
Following the interview, Frankie was offered a trial period at the hairdressers. After the trial period Frankie was successful in securing an apprenticeship.
Frankie said: “It’s going really well. Anita helped so much with my confidence and helped me look at a better future. I’m so glad to be learning how to be a stylist which will help me get a job in hairdressing. “
Anita added: “I have personally really enjoyed being able to have a positive impact on Frankie’s life and help her achieve her goals.”
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