Connor Fraser, 20, from Perth had a difficult
up bringing but is now on course to fulfil his dream of helping
others - by combining social work and cooking.
This transformation followed Connor's completion of Get Ready
for Work, one of four national training programmes delivered by
Skills Development Scotland.
The programme supports young people to move into employment,
further training or college by helping them focus on what they want
to do, learn new skills
and gain confidence. The programme is open to 16 to 19 year olds
and all trainees are paid a training allowance.
Connor, an Ambassador for the Princes Trust, left school at 17,
before he started S5. He had encountered a lot of family problems
growing up and was in foster care from the age of 10.
On leaving school, he went to his local Skills Development
Scotland careers adviser who provided him with the support he
needed to point his life in the right direction.
Connor said: "The Get Ready for Work Programme proved to be one of
the best things I could have done. As well as strengthening my
writing and numeracy skills, I now realise the importance of
working as a team. My confidence has grown huge amounts and I'm
more than happy to talk to others who have encountered similar
experiences and need guidance."
As well as completing a Get into Catering Course at Perth College,
Connor has also completed the City and Guild Professional Chefs
Award and has secured his HNC in Professional Cookery.
"Next year I hope to do a course in social care. Due to my
upbringing I want to give back something to those who are going
through what I went through. To help people progress and change
their life for the better would be really fulfilling."