Naomi Bowie from
Pollok in Glasgow has discovered new skills in digital media after
completing the 12 week Get Ready for Work programme delivered by
SWAMP (South West Arts and Music Project) and Skills Development
Scotland.
Get Ready for Work is one of the four
national training programmes provided by Skills Development
Scotland to support young people into a job, further training or
college by helping them focus on what they want to do, learn new
skills and gain the confidence they need. The programme is open to
16 to 19 year-olds and all trainees are paid a training
allowance.
SWAMP, based in Pollok, offers young
people skills in digital technology, music and the arts, helping
them enter into further education or secure employment.
17-year-old Naomi left school when she
was 16 after being bullied. She felt left out and isolated.
When she joined the SWAMP project,
Naomi was very shy and reserved and had no belief in her own
ability.
However, she was determined to succeed
and discovered an interest in computers and cameras, which she
wants to use as the basis of her career.
Having completed the Get Ready for Work
programme, Naomi has been offered a place at Cardonald College to
study Creative Digital Media.
Naomi said: "Before I started Get Ready
for Work, my confidence and self esteem were really low, but my
life has changed for the better.
"The support from Get Ready for Work
and the team at SWAMP have made be realise I'm capable of more than
I thought possible. My confidence has improved and I'm much more
comfortable being myself.
"As well as improving my computer
skills, I'm learning how to edit and use a camera. I hope more
doors will open for me after college and I can land a job with
someone like the BBC working behind the camera."