Lloyd was reaching the end of year 11 when his mother contacted Learning Links. He had been withdrawn from school to be home educated, but still felt unmotivated toward his studies, leading his mother to be concerned he was at risk of becoming NEET. 

At 16, Lloyd needed social interaction with his peer group and an opportunity to access information and advice services on possible options post GCSEs. Before he engaged with Learning Links Lloyd “was not doing much and was very bored”- he had disengaged from his peers, lacking social skills needing a confidence boost.

Since he started working with Learning Links, Lloyd has taken part in weekly 1:1 mentoring sessions based around investigating his options for the future, and supporting him with his Maths and English GCSEs. Lloyd also attended a YNOT week where he further explored his options for future education with colleges and training providers. He took part in team building exercises at Fairthorne Manor, and completed his CBT training on a day out with Learning Links.

Since sitting his Maths and English GCSEs, Lloyd has applied for and been offered a place at Sussex Downs College to do Sports recreation; a start on the path toward his dream of becoming a professional footballer. He started the course in September.

Lloyd’s key worker at Learning Links is fully confident in his future success, stating; ‘Lloyd has really turned his future around, he has always had a dream to play sport professionally and now he is heading in the right direction to achieve his goal. I think Lloyd will shine at college as he has the passion and enthusiasm to do so.’

Since leaving the programme Lloyd has spoken about their influence on his future; ‘I think Learning Links has helped me a lot, I didn’t realise you could study football at college before I went on the YNOT week, and I probably wouldn’t have bothered applying before. I would recommend Learning Links to people my age; they are good people to go to if you need help.’