A DARTS player has landed a bullseye after securing a job at the college which supported his learning.
Ben Cave tried sixth form after leaving school before enrolling on a Level 3 business studies course at Darlington College. The pandemic interrupted his studies and he tried to get a job but was unsuccessful.
The JobCentre introduced him to the Kickstart scheme to help him find employment and he ended up back at Darlington College working and studying at the same time on a CMI operations and department manager apprenticeship.
“I never knew what I wanted to do and didn’t expect to work at Darlington College, though it did feel nice and familiar to me,” said Ben 24, of Darlington.
“I was so quiet when I first arrived and was terrified to even answer the phone but staff were so welcoming and I felt comfortable.”
He then applied for a fulltime position in the apprenticeship team and also secured a Level 5 qualification which has allowed him to progress in his career.
Ben said: “When I left school I never imagined I would do any more studying so I was very proud to complete all my assignments. I’d recommend Darlington College to anyone as the staff are brilliant.”
Head of registry Joanne Hardy said: “I am a great believer in giving people the tools they need to flourish. Ben was so shy at first but was given more and more responsibility and has really grown.
“When we can see potential in students we like to push them so they can reach where they are capable of being. Everyone has a skillset somewhere. It’s about finding something they enjoy and helping them get there.”
When not at work Ben is a keen darts player. His mother runs the Darlington and District Mixed Darts League and Ben took up the sport when he was just 14.
“I’m no Luke Littler but I play for a couple of teams and really enjoy it,” he said.
For more information about opportunities at Darlington College visit www.darlington.ac.uk.