A Business and Finance student from Salford City College’s FutureSkills has finally found his confidence, and landed his dream job, after completing his two year college course. Eighteen year old Lewis O’Connor, who used to be so shy that he would hide if he saw someone he knew in public, has now started a full time position as a Customer Service Officer at RBS in Swinton, just a week after completing the course.
Lewis’ parents, Jenny and Steve O’Connor, explained: “Lewis spent most of his schooling being assisted by small groups and the use of a Teaching Assistant, as he was such a shy and timid boy. He chose to study Accounting as he wanted a job where he wouldn’t have to speak to anyone, because he didn’t like talking to people.”
Lewis chose to study at Salford City College because of the opportunities provided, including industry visits and guest speakers. He enrolled on the Business and Finance course, which is run at FutureSkills in collaboration with Career Ready, a UK wide charity linking employers with schools and colleges to open up the world of work to young people (formerly known as Career Academies UK).
“I liked the way that they course was not just about exams- it provided me with knowledge and experience,” commented Lewis. “One of the main things that appealed to me about the Career Ready programme was the six-week paid internship, which I had not come across at any other colleges in the area.”
In the summer between his first and second year, Lewis completed a paid internship at Lloyds in Bury, working as a Customer Service Officer. Having not wanted to be in a job that involved talking to people, Lewis found himself taking on his biggest fears in a customer facing role.
“Amazingly, I really enjoyed the role and it felt like the perfect job for me,” said Lewis. “I would never believe that I could have worked in a customer service role if you’d asked me two years ago!”
He added that the best thing about studying at Salford City College has been the effect it has had on his confidence levels, and the way he has developed as a person as a result of this. He thanks his tutors for this, explaining that they were always willing to go out of their way to help all of the students succeed.
After successfully completing his course in June, Lewis has already secured a full time job at RBS in Swinton as a Customer Service Officer. He said: “I already love the job, and genuinely look forward to going into work every day. My colleagues are really friendly, which made me fit in straight away. My managers even commented that they would have never known I used to be shy if I hadn’t have told them about my transformation over the past few years!”
The former St Ambrose Barlow RC High School pupil is now planning to use his new found confidence to work his way up in the banking sector.
“I have to say, Lewis choosing to study at FutureSkills was the best decision ever,” commented Lewis’ mum, Jenny. “My boy grew into a man over the last two years due to an excellent run course, but also down to the committed, caring staff. I personally agree with the new name for the Career Academies UK programme, as it really has made my schoolboy son ‘Career Ready’!”
