With tailored careers support, Thomas has gained a college place in creative media, and will be pursuing his dream to work in performing arts.
Passion for performing
Thomas is in Year 11 at school and he is passionate about performing. He will soon play Uncle Henry in a school production of The Wizard of Oz.
His long-term dream is to become a director and create crime, thriller, and comedy films.
Thomas said, "I like performing because I can be myself in front of people.
"I love all types of movies, but I really like Mary Poppins and the series Only Murders in the Building."
Support from Careers Wales
Thomas has always known he wanted to go to college. He has autism spectrum disorder and mild learning difficulties and had support from Debbie, a careers adviser based at Thomas’ school.
Debbie said, “I arranged for the transition officer for the Neath Port Talbot group of colleges to come in to school. She did a group session with Thomas and his additional learning needs class to talk more about what college is like and what to expect.
“Thomas was brilliant that day and had written down questions that the quieter pupils in the class wanted to ask, so he became the spokesperson for everyone.”
Soon after, Thomas attended a one-to-one support review. During this time Debbie supported him with his college application for a creative media course.
Thomas said, "Debbie talked to me about what course would be best for me and helped me apply online.”
Advice for others
Thomas wants to encourage other students to speak to their teachers and careers advisers in their school.
He said, "Don't be nervous to speak to someone about it!
“Debbie was very nice, very bubbly, and really good to talk to.”
With his college application submitted, Thomas has accepted an offer. With some taster days scheduled with the college, Thomas is excited about the next steps in his journey.
If you would like to explore your interests and opportunities with a careers adviser, please contact us today.
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