In the space of four years Cameron Simmons has gone from a shy teenager on an Education, Health and Care Plan to securing a job at one of the nation's leading logistics companies ' and he puts his progress down to his time at Northampton College.
The 20-year-old, from Wellingborough, has recently gained full-time employment at Clipper, where he will work in the returns department for John Lewis.
It is a meteoric rise from his first days at college. Cameron spent two years in the Supported Learning department before completing both Level 1 and 2 in IT. He then went onto a Supported Internship and has now found himself in full-time employment having impressed bosses with his enthusiasm and work ethic.
He said: I'm very grateful to Northampton College for giving me the opportunity to get to where I am today. It wouldn't have been possible four years but I now have the skills and confidence I need to succeed in the working world.
Cameron's four-month internship was carried out through a partnership with Mencap, working in a warehouse at Clipper's John Lewis department. The role involves independent thinking, time management and social skills ' all valuable skills picked up by Cameron during his time at Northampton College.
Excelling on the Skills for Working Life course, Cameron continually asked for additional work, showed willing at home and mastered independent travel ' also becoming a prominent figure in his local church group.
Curriculum Manager for Learning Support (SENCO) Helen Janska said Cameron is a credit to his family and everyone in the Supported Learning department. His journey is truly inspirational and proves just how much students can progress in a college environment.
