WHAT WAS RHYS' STARTING SITUATION?

When Rhys joined us in October 2020, he was unemployed and out of education. He had a limited amount of work experience from Legoland and Fujitsu, a computer company. However due to Rhys having mild autism these employers were not accommodating for his needs.

It was clear from the beginning that Rhys was confident and assertive and fully engaged with his tutor Melissa during the orientation. He was vocal and positive about how the program could benefit him and his future. Rhys is extremely computer literate and this is one of his passions including hacking for a hobby and therefore the idea of mixing with other students on a Zoom call due to COVID restrictions for face-to-face delivery did not phase him in the slightest.

what barriers did rhys face before and during the traineeship?

Rhys has been diagnosed with mild autism and this could have been a barrier for him, however he worked well with his tutor Melissa and throughout the program this was managed and never became an issue for Rhys in sessions nor on his work placement. Rhys is quoted saying “Mel being my tutor was really cool, and there were no issues with my autism as it was managed well by Mel”.

Rhys required his English Functional Skills, and like most student’s attention whilst studying this can be lacking, however through managing the revision and study in small bitesize chunks Rhys was able to fully maintain concentration on the subject. He has excelled in English lessons and has proved he knows his stuff and has assisted other students during sessions and group work. Rhys recently sat a mock invigilated exam to assess whether he is ready for the final exam and results are currently awaited.

Confidence for Rhys has never been an issue throughout the course, and he has fully participated in all sessions, and has been a pleasure to have in classes.

Rhys was extremely keen to work with one of our virtual placements in cyber security as this is his passion, he has previously attempted to secure work in this area however, due to lack of work experience and his autism employers have been unaccommodating.

WHAT ACTIONS DID PREVISTA UNDERTAKE WITH RHYS?

Rhys has regular contact with his tutor Melissa through 1-2-1 sessions to offer support as required, monthly progress reviews together with group sessions via Zoom. Rhys has worked exceptionally hard throughout the program to complete the work required in detail and in some instances above and beyond what was required of him.

When the time came for work placement, Rhys did not hesitate he knew exactly what placement he wanted, and this was his number one goal to achieve. An interview was arranged with Decipher Cyber who Prevista work with for virtual placements and Rhys interviewed for the position. The feedback received was exceptional and it was clear Rhys had impressed the bosses with his interview skills and knowledge of the work carried out, together with his experience, all self-taught. A few days later we received the good news he had secured a placement with Decipher Cyber.

Rhys was not afraid to get stuck in and do what was required. On completion of the placement, Rhys was offered a part-time position with Decipher Cyber which he gladly accepted. A massive achievement for Rhys. He has achieved his ultimate goal of working in the cyber security industry doing something he has a real passion for.

WHAT WAS THE OUTCOME AND IMPACT OF THIS?

Rhys came to the program having been knocked back from employment due to a lack of experience in work for his desired sector; cyber security, and employers unable to accommodate his needs. Confidence was never an issue for Rhys, and he oozed it from the very beginning. Rhys has now through hard work and dedication achieved his dream of working in the cyber security sector on a part-time basis with the view of this being turned into full-time in the future.

WHAT ARE RHYS' FUTURE PLANS & WHAT DOES HE INTEND TO DO NEXT?

Rhys is looking forward to a future with a newfound sense of purpose, which he has achieved through the Traineeship program. We have no doubt that Rhys’s future looks nothing but bright!