This National Apprenticeship Week, we are proud to celebrate the outstanding achievements of Finlay Yeomans, whose journey is a fantastic example of growing in confidence, determination and the life-changing impact an apprenticeship can make!
Double Success at the Apprenticeship Award Ceremony
At this year’s Herefordshire College Apprenticeship Awards Ceremony, Finlay achieved an incredible double success. He was named Level 3 Apprentice of the Year across all curriculum areas, before going on to win the prestigious title of Overall Apprentice of the Year for the College. Adding to this remarkable achievement, Finlay has also been nominated for the Herefordshire County Apprenticeship Awards, organised by Herefordshire Council, where he is in the running to be crowned Herefordshire Apprentice of the Year.
Progressing through Herefordshire College
When he arrived at college, Finlay had an EHCP and faced significant challenges with communication and English. This presented some barriers, but he worked incredibly hard to overcome them throughout his education.
Although Finlay had a passion for Motor Vehicle studies, he ultimately chose to pursue Carpentry and Joinery. He successfully completed both the Level 1 and Level 2 full-time programmes, supported throughout by his EHCP, the College’s student services team, his tutors, and external support arranged by the College through Support Connect. Regular meetings with Finlay’s family also played a vital role in helping him to progress and succeed.
Finding an Apprenticeship
After completing his Level 2 qualification, Finlay expressed an interest in progressing to a Level 3 apprenticeship. With guidance from his tutors, he was encouraged to take the next crucial step, finding an employer willing to take him on.
Just a week later, Finlay contacted the College to say he had secured an interview. He had independently phoned Royston Davies, a local firm based in Eardisley, and asked if they would consider him for an apprenticeship and then confidently told them he was already standing outside their front gate with his portfolio in hand. The interview went ahead, and the rest, as they say, is history!
Next Steps
Finlay has since completed his Level 3 Site Carpentry apprenticeship and is now preparing to begin Level 3 Joinery, continuing with the same employer. His impact in the workplace has been exceptional. Royston Davies, owner of the business, describes Finlay as “the best apprentice we have ever had.”
Finlay’s mum, Jen, added, “Finlay has overcome a lot and achieved so much, it hasn’t always been easy, we have been through a lot of hard times. And through the hard times we found the right people who did listen and support, which then allowed Finlay to achieve all that he wanted and all of what we knew he could. He has worked so hard and has never given up. I am so proud of everything he has achieved and everything he has overcome.”
Finlay’s story is a fantastic example of what can be achieved with the right support, self-belief and opportunity.
This Apprentice Wednesday, we are proud to celebrate Finlay’s success and the inspirational journey that has led him to become a role model for future apprentices across Herefordshire.
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