Ethan E's story

Ethan improved his interview skills with Careers Wales and found himself an apprenticeship.

Alternative to school

After deciding not to continue with A-levels, 18-year-old Ethan from Blackwood found himself uncertain about his next steps. He left school and took a part-time job at Greggs while exploring opportunities that better suited his interests.

Ethan said: "I noticed some apprenticeship opportunities with Newport Council, so I started applying for them.”

Support from Careers Wales

Ethan’s mother, who used Careers Wales in the past, recommended he reach out for support.

He said: “When I got an interview with Newport Council, my mum got me in touch with Kerry and she helped me prepare for my interview. She went over the job description with me and held a mock interview to help me feel more prepared."

Kerry, a careers adviser based in Ebbw Vale, gave Ethan helpful tips on how to improve his interview skills.

Ethan shared: “It made me more relaxed. I was better prepared because we did the mock interview and I had similar questions in the real interview, so that helped quite a bit with nervousness on the day.”

Starting an apprenticeship

With Kerry’s help, Ethan secured the apprenticeship with Newport Council.

“I am doing an apprenticeship provided by ACT training, funded by Newport City Council, in the Housing and Communities service area. It is mostly administrative work, but I get to work with various teams and service areas as well as shadowing housing support interviews. It is rewarding because I get to work with and help vulnerable people."

Ethan shared his career plan: "I think I want to stay with the council for a few more years and work my way up the corporate ladder. Perhaps branching out to other service areas and working towards management roles. For now, I am focusing on finishing my apprenticeship in March 2025."

Advice for others

Ethan said: “Try and research different opportunities, like apprenticeships or university or just go straight into the workplace and then decide what you really want to do and what would be the best for you.”

Ethan encourages other young people to reach out to Careers Wales and talk to a careers adviser: “Kerry was very helpful, very kind and she made me feel at ease. She made sure to help and support me with each question she asked me. She also answered any of the questions I had about the interview, and she made sure to keep in touch with me throughout the interview process.”

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

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