Hsin’s careers adviser guided her through a new training opportunity that opened up doors for her future career.
Hsin was a graphic designer for many years, until she felt like she needed a change.
She was always passionate about the environment and was keen to start a career within the sector.
After attending college in London to study environmental conservation, she found it hard to find paid jobs within the sector.
Hsin turned to volunteering until she gained a traineeship at the Elan Valley Trust.
Boosting her new career
Hsin wanted support to help her make the most of her traineeship and the opportunities she’d have after.
With encouragement from her employer, Hsin visited the Working Wales website. She joined the webchat function on the site and made a video appointment with careers adviser, Megan.
Megan helped Hsin to realised that she was eligible for a Personal Learning Account. The Personal Learning Account programme (PLA) would enable Hsin to study part-time on a specific course related to a priority sector alongside her current employment.
Hsin actually had a training course in mind to support her in her current role.
She said “I knew I wanted to do commercial drone training.
“In my current role, a lot of areas that we travel to are quite remote. We have to hike to get there, because there's no way we can take a vehicle there.
“I knew that if I had a drone, I could program it, fly it there, take all the imaging first.”
A hopeful future
Megan helped Hsin to find the most suitable course with an accepted training provider for the programme. She also supported her to apply for the PLA.
Hsin was accepted into the programme and went on to complete her ideal drone course.
She has since found further success with her employer, having been promoted to Assistant Peatland Restoration Officer.
She said, “The benefit for me has been tremendous because it has given me an edge for my career in the future.”
Looking back
Hsin said, “I really can't thank my career adviser Megan enough because I went into a completely different mindset.
“This whole process is really, really easy, and especially for people who are really shy like me.
“Go on the website, use the webchat and see if you're eligible. You'll have a personal adviser who will help follow things up for you.
“If you don't like what you're currently doing, hey, try the Working Wales website. Maybe get a different skill. It might change your life!”
Explore Personal Learning Accounts to find out more, or Contact Working Wales.
