Aaleyah Thomas-Errill struggled attending secondary school after realising she had ME and studied part-time from Year’s 6-8 and was home-school for the majority of Year 9.
The now 19-year old first joined the College as a pre-16 student and joined the Foundation Studies department where she studied for two years.
Aaleyah said: “Even though it was part-time to begin with, it was a start.
“I loved being in the Foundation Studies department and before I knew it, I was a full-time student and had fully recovered by start of my second year came round.
“I made loads of friends during that time.”
Aaleyah then went on to study a Level 1 hairdressing apprenticeship, saying she wanted something exciting to do and something practical. She had discovered that she loved hairdressing when she initially joined the College.
Currently studying the Level 2, this inspiring teen said he also hopes to progress onto the Level 3.
“Level 1 helps prepare you for the next level, and although it does get challenging at times, you’re still always learning from it”, she said.
“Level 2 can be hard at times, but it’s nice to go into the College or workplace and be challenged and taken out of your comfort zone.
“The lecturers have been so helpful and super supportive throughout the whole apprenticeship, making sure you reach your full potential and preparing you for when you go into the workplace full-time.”
Working whilst learning has been an eye opener into the world of work for Aaleyah, who works alongside a lovely team at Salon Secrets in Chippenham, who have supported her all the way through.
