An Oldham College learner has shared his inspiring story of how support at college gave him the tools to secure his dream apprenticeship in the police force.
Idrees, who has just completed the Level 3 Public Services course, describes choosing to join Oldham College as one of the best decisions he has ever made.
Diagnosed with autism (ASD) as a child, Idrees describes having a ‘difficult’ secondary school experience: “I struggled to fit in, had few friends and found revision difficult. I felt like I was falling behind.”
Everything began to change when he applied to Oldham College and attended a taster session. “Adele from Additional Learning Support and Nathan, one of the course tutors, made me immediately feel welcome.”
The support Idrees continued to receive throughout his college journey helped him to come out of his shell:
“I had a personal assistant to help me in class, access to a quiet room in the Student Hub and incredible tutors who were always ready to support me.”
Personal Development activities, including futsal and badminton, also helped Idrees to make new friends from different courses.
“Trips such as paintballing and raft-building helped me to build confidence. Through college I’ve travelled to London, visited Parliament, climbed Mount Snowdon and more – memories I will cherish for the rest of my life.”
Idrees was selected by his tutors to receive a Student Award at the end of his first year, an achievement that meant a lot to him and his family. In his second year, he was selected to carry the flag during the College’s Remembrance Parade (pictured).
Idrees has consistently achieved distinctions in his course, including in the Government exam, which is particularly challenging. He has now passed his final interview for the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship and received a conditional offer to join the police.
“This has been a dream and long-term goal of mine since childhood, and achieving it means so much to me,” he says.
Dave Jones, one of Idrees’ tutors, says: “Idrees’ story is a true reflection of why we come into the teaching profession. All staff in Uniformed Public Services are so proud of Idrees and how far he has come.”
Congratulations Idrees!
Could you follow in Idrees’s footsteps? Learn more about our Public Services courses.
Through college I've travelled to London, visited Parliament, climbed Mount Snowdon and more - memories I will cherish for the rest of my life.
