Young Adult Learner Award

Ewan Heppenstall enrolled at Cardiff and Vale College (CAVC) in 2018, initially studying an Entry Level 2 Work Skills Programme. The 23 year old has mild autism and says, “I’ve never let my autism get in the way. But I didn’t feel confident at all growing up. I had never really thought about my future before, but I knew I had to start.” Successfully completing the course, Ewan started the Entry Level 3 programme the following year. He completed a BTEC qualification which covered a range of areas including preparing and learning for a workplace, health and safety at work, working in a team, planning and running an enterprise activity, how to conduct yourself at
work, producing a CV and applying for jobs. Ewan secured a place on DFN Project Search – a supported internship programme between Cardiff and Vale College and Dow Silicones UK Limited.

He felt apprehensive at first, but he soon started to grow in confidence: “I had to do a video interview to apply, and I was one of just six people to get a place. I thought, ‘this could be my big shot.’ It really opened my eyes. I learnt more about using lots of different computer programmes like Excel and Word.” Having completed one internship at Dow remotely, he was excited to move on site once Covid restrictions eased: “It was a very interesting experience and a good insight into what working life is like. I was working with a team; people had my back and I had theirs. I really enjoyed finding out what it was I wanted to do. I knew I was good with people, and I was able to apply the skills and knowledge I had gained to a real working environment.”

CAVC Head of Preparation for Work, Life and Learning Wayne Carter said: “Ewan is a shining example of the journey that young people embark upon. From a shy and quiet individual with limited confidence and work skills, Ewan now believes in himself, we’ve stretched and challenged him and provided opportunities that he can thrive on, focusing on things he can do and not what he can’t do.” Ewan is now employed full-time at CF10 Retail – a shop on the CAVC campus: “I am always eager to get stuck in and work hard. People see me as an asset, I really love working there.”

Ewan is an advocate for opportunities for disabled people to join the workplace. He adds: “Disabled people should be included and given a chance to prove themselves. We should be included by more employers.”
Now, he also delivers motivational workshops to other learners who are at the start of their own journeys: “Just try your best and give it a go. Education and skills training can open doors and can give everyone a second chance.”