Sophie is 21 years old, lives alone with her two year old daughter and is an inspiration to all young mothers out there.
While attending St Patricks Catholic College Sophie achieved good grades in the majority of subjects but admits that because of her lack of confidence and low self-esteem she missed out on numerous opportunities to secure apprenticeships and employment.
This confidence issue continued for some years until Sophie became pregnant and at this point Sophie had to take responsibility.
She began to learn how to drive, and she came to Five Lamps requesting support, sourcing information advice and guidance through the YEI (Youth Engagement Initiative) Programme which is funded by European Social Fund and Hartlepool Council.
Sophie worked with Anne Rookes (Youth Engagement Support) at Five Lamps and attended weekly sessions carrying out job search related activities. She also worked with Anne, to improve her confidence in interviews and job search.
All of her hard work paid off and eventually she secured an apprenticeship in Business Administration at Chandlers Ridge Academy in Nunthorpe. Sophie has Childcare in place for her daughter and the future looks bright.
Sophie said:
“Without the support of Anne Rookes, Five Lamps Youth Employment Support Worker, I wouldn’t have had the confidence and knowledge to move forward, thank you for all the support.”
The Tees Valley Pathways and Routeways programmes form part of the Youth Employment Initiative (YEI). This is part-funded by the European Social Fund through the 2014-2020 European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme in England.
The program aims to support young people across the Tees Valley aged 15-29 who are unemployed and/or not in educations, employment or training until the end of July 2018.