Aron was referred to the opt-IN project on the 1^st September 2009, with a record of poor attendance and argumentative behaviour that had resulted in his being signed up to a pre-foundation course for learning/behavioural reasons.  He had failed to engage in the Pre-Foundation programme, and there were concerns that his lack of engagement and attendance (approx 60%) would get worse after the set back of being refused in his application for a Motor Mechanics course starting in September 2009.  It was felt that Aron would struggle with achieving any of the qualifications in pre-foundation due to poor attendance and engagement, and was as a result referred to the opt-IN programme.

Aron started opt-IN not willing to engage; he struggled with his functional skills, and was unable to travel independently; relying on his Mum to wake him and drive him in to college, often resulting in lateness or non-attendance. He could be polite to staff but had a record of previous incidents of rude behaviour because of his additional learning/behavioural needs.

In his time with opt-IN Aron completely turned himself around, working hard not only to improve himself but support others in the group too. He was suddenly wanting and willing to answer every question, and his functional skills improved rapidly. It soon became apparent that he was a very capable student, who had set his goals and was now working tirelessly to achieve them, with the continued aim to get on to motor mechanics course. Something that in late October 2009 Aron was finally able to achieve when a space became available, and in recognition of the improvements made in his attitude, attendance and engagement, was second time around, successful!

Throughout his time with opt-IN Aron worked hard in personal development sessions, setting his own targets and achieving them. These included attendance, attitude to those in authority and personal confidence. Initially, Aron would often be late, something that was openly addressed and discussed and would previously have resulted in a confrontational young man, but now able to control his temper and take both instruction and constructive criticism well. Working with Aron, he started to make his own way in and home on the bus and by the end of his time with Sussex Downs College was using an alarm clock that they had bought him, no longer having to rely on his mum to wake him up.

Aron’s attitude to authority and his own motivation has continued to improve whilst he has been on his current full-time course with all feedback from lecturers being really positive. With such obvious improvements it was great to see Aron’s confidence grow. A young man that upon joining opt-IN would refuse point blank to be in any photographs due to his low self-esteem, but as the photo illustrates he was not the same person that came to leave opt-IN in late October 2009, after only 2 months on the project! Aron set his goals, faced his set backs, and never once gave up on making it for himself; Sussex Downs College have expressed the pride they have felt for him as he has worked his way through his problems.

Aron is now looking forward to completing his Level 1 qualification in Motor mechanics and beginning year 2 in September 2010 for his Level 2. Ultimately Aron wants to own his own garage, and for the first time now completely believes, deservedly, that this is well within his grasp.