Diane Atkinson - 23/08/2007

Diane joined Llanelli Rural Council in January 2006 and since then has turned her life around. She was demotivated, lacked self-confidence and self worth and did not believe she could, or would, achieve recognised qualifications, let alone be able to secure worthwhile employment as a lone parent with four children.

Prior to joining Llanelli Rural Council Training in January 2006, Diane had been unemployed since 1997 and was bringing up her three children as a lone parent from 1999, after her ex partner abandoned her and the children, when she was five months pregnant with her fourth child. This had a devastating effect on Diane, emotionally and mentally.

Diane had to leave the programme early in August 2006 because her eldest daughter was taken seriously ill with glandular fever and required full time caring. This was on top of her own illness, epilepsy, and looking after three other young children - single handed. When her daughter had recovered Diane felt inspired to return to training in October 2006 and juggled her learning, progress, personal health problems with family life commitments to ensure that she could continue her achievements to enhance her future career prospects.

Diane was a valued member of our training department, an exemplary learner and was able to help and support other less able learners. She has achieved many qualifications, most with distinction. Diane’s diligence, willingness to always help others and cheerful personality has now made her many friends, including other learners and staff.

Qualifications achieved on Skillbuild and Skillbuild Plus:

• OCR NVQ iTQ Level 2
• OCR CLAiT PLUS
• OCR NVQ Administration Level 2
• OCR Certificate in Text Processing – Level 1 and 2 : Distinctions
• OCR Key Skills Level 1 (Communication, Application of Number, ICT, Working with Others and Improving Own Learning and Performance)
• OCR Level 1 and 2 – Certificate in Adult Literacy and Numeracy
• The Pacific Institute, STEPS to Excellence

Diane is an excellent Ambassador for training in Wales, particularly in relation to other lone parents. She has overcome many personal trials and tribulations and has grown into a confident, happy person who has achieved the pinnacle of her own success by securing permanent employment in April 2007 with Corus, Trostre, Llanelli.

For further information please contact Glynis Zimmermann on 01554 774121 or E-mail to info@llanelli-rural.gov.uk.

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