PJ W:
Having faced challenges associated with his diverse needs from a young age, and having been diagnosed with SpLD, a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects an individual’s ability to receive, process and recall information, PJ was becoming disengaged with his learning journey and at risk of being excluded from school. However, PJ has a real passion and talent in the field of motor mechanics and has thrived since enrolling on the Croydon Auto Bike Scheme programme where his resilience and skills have been greatly enhanced.
PJ's Story
The SMF is supporting PJ through funding his AQA Accreditation at Croydon Auto Bikes Scheme. His first course with them was so successful that SMF have now agreed to support him through further training through the scheme.
PJ exhibits a natural curiosity around cars, motorbikes and how engines work. He has found great joy and a sense of achievement in exploring the realms of motor mechanics. It is in this field that PJ's true potential shines. On the CAB course he has been able to develop his social communication skills, his leadership skills and most importantly, his belief in his own talents.
Not only has PJ engaged so well with the CABs placement that he is flourishing, he is now leading others who are new to the programme. His confidence is growing and he is using his leadership skills even more effectively and is always keen to help others who may be struggling. PJ had been at high risk of exclusion due to his barriers to learning but through the Croyden Auto Bikes Scheme the SMF are supporting him to be successful in a mainstream setting. Not only is this giving him qualifications but it is also giving him transferable skills to bring into his school life, so much so that he has now been accepted as a Thrive Ambassador at his school.
PJ’s collaborator Jayne recently wrote to us to say: “He is doing so well, he is thriving on the course, he absolutely loves it. His confidence is growing, and he applied to become a Thrive Ambassador and he has been successful in his application, he is so happy as this is a fantastic opportunity for him!”
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The SMF team were thrilled to hear from PJ how he has been getting on:
"The support that I have received from the SMF has helped me a lot. Being able to attend the CAB's programme 1 day a week has helped me make new friends, it has helped my confidence grow a lot as I now have to work with people that I didn't know before the programme. The support has helped me in school because I think more and use my brain more before making a choice. I think about consequences now when I didn't before. I can now ask for help when I need it, if I am stuck on my learning I will ask the teacher to help me. The programme has helped me learn to think about my future and I know I want to be a mechanic, I am learning the skills I need to help me get my dream job."
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