Skills for Work Award Winner

Isaac Fabb has faced some of the toughest life challenges and is now an inspirational learner who is a role model for young people starting out in their careers.  

The 22-year-old, who was diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) at 17, has overcome drug addiction and the loss of his brother-in-law to addiction, to excel as a talented carpenter.  

The responsibility of becoming a teenage father motivated him to change his life. “Looking back now, I realise that the challenges truly helped me focus and be more determined to do what I wanted to do,” said Swansea-based Isaac.  

Despite these challenges and leaving school with no formal qualifications, Isaac was determined to gain a career and, against a backdrop of addiction, he relentlessly applied for various college courses.  

After a couple of unsuccessful attempts, largely down to his condition, he refused to give up and gained a place on a multi-skill construction course with Gower College Swansea. 

He flourished, and a year later secured employment with Swansea City Council as an apprentice carpenter, achieving a goal of working within his chosen career whilst learning.  

On-the-job learning proved a better fit for Isaac, gaining outstanding results and also achieving his maths GCSE whilst completing his multi-trade course.  

Achieving what he thought was an impossible feat led to the college naming him as their Foundation Apprentice of the Year, and his employer incorporating him into their employability team that encourages young people to consider apprenticeships.  

He is now undertaking his Level 3 with predicted grades of a double distinction and is in discussion to undertake an HNC in Construction Management.  

Isaac reflected: “Though the five-year journey was bumpy, I am eager to continue and embrace the next challenge.  

“I can say that knowing I was going to be a father at such an early age spurred me to not only kick the addiction but to stand up to be the young adult I needed to be. Although there were stumbling blocks, there was nothing more rewarding than achieving a career that I once thought was well beyond my reach.”  

With a bright future now ahead of him, Isaac is aiming to reach the top of his profession and has earned plenty of respect along the way.  

Medi Williams, Commercial Bid Specialist at Gower College Swansea, said: “I nominated Isaac on behalf of the college because he is an inspirational learner who has become a role model for those who may not have thought adult education was them.” 

Nominated by:
Gower College Swansea 

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