Organic career path
Academic subjects were never my strong suit in school, partly due to my dyslexia. However, practical subjects like PE and resistant materials came naturally to me. In my free time, I immersed myself in sports clubs, outdoor exploration, and camping with friends.
After leaving school, I worked as a lifeguard while studying leisure and tourism. I loved the job, and when a colleague offered me the chance to help run a Saturday morning club at triple my wage, I couldn't resist. Within a year, I was helping with parties, holiday clubs, and volunteering in sports development. Though I enjoyed the work, I failed my college course. Unsure of my next step, I travelled around Australia and worked in a school holiday club. Upon returning, my mum suggested a childcare course, observing that I seemed to gravitate toward working with children. Unsure of what else to do, I gave it a shot.
Finding my feet
After finishing college, I began working at a secondary school for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) as a one-to-one support assistant for students with challenging behaviours. Eager to align my role with my interests, I involved myself in the PE department, helping with sports clubs, residential trips, and assisting with PE lessons. This was also when I first heard about The Duke of Edinburgh's Award (DofE), though my initial efforts to introduce it at school didn't take off.
I met my wife, settled in a new town, and started a family. I joined Firwood High School, another SEND secondary school. I looked for ways to contribute beyond my role, volunteering for school shows, residential trips, and eventually helping with the DofE programme.
A new opportunity
In 2019, Firwood advertised a role overseeing outdoor learning two days a week and managing the DofE programme. At the time, the programme had been running for three years with about six students annually. I jumped in with enthusiasm, despite not being entirely sure what I was doing.
Then came the challenges of the pandemic. Determined to adapt, we got creative, and in 2021, my first group successfully earned their bronze awards. Motivated by this success, we expanded into the silver and eventually gold awards. At each level we faced new challenges but pressed on with determination. Today, I lead a team of six staff members supporting six groups with 39 students, all with SEND, participating in the programme.
Proudest moments
I've been fortunate to witness students achieve far beyond their expectations and grow into confident young adults. Attending the gold DofE Awards ceremony at Buckingham Palace with four students and seeing them meet The Duke of Edinburgh was a privilege I'll never forget.
One of my proudest personal milestones was being awarded Life Changer of the Year by the DofE. The DofE is so important to young people, it gives them an opportunity to do something different, to challenge themselves, to dream big. We provide opportunities beyond what they think they can do – we change the situation for students to access the DofE Awards, no matter their ability level. Being nominated by my colleagues and then winning was both humbling and surreal. I feel incredibly lucky to work in a place that supports my passion for developing the DofE programme and my role within it.
TOP THREE CAREER TIPS
1 Stay open minded
Don't be too fixed on a career path – explore different opportunities and go with what feels right.
2 Find joy in your work
To truly progress, you need to give more than the bare minimum, which is only possible if you're passionate about what you do.
3 Think outside the box
Creativity and extra effort might seem daunting, but they often lead to the unforgettable experiences and changes needed to make a real difference.
