A local man has made a 3 point turn in his career, to go from
farmer to driving instructor, after support from Shropshire's
largest training provider, County Training.
Stephen Compton, 37, from Shawbury, grew up on a farm and after
attending agricultural college, worked on, and managed various
farms throughout Shropshire and Wales.
Stephen said "The long hours that I worked really started to
take their toll, which considerably affected my health and
confidence. I had to stop working in December 2008 and wasn't sure
what direction to take. I felt I needed guidance and help to make
those important steps in a new direction."
Stephen came to County Training, part of Shropshire Council, in
March 2009 on the Government's Pathways to Work programme, which
supports people on health-related benefits to get back into work.
Through this programme, Stephen received advice and and was
referred to a 'Taking Charge of Your Life' workshop, which helped
him to increase his confidence and improved his self
motivation.
Stephen then found a new direction that he wanted to pursue. He
said "After speaking to the staff at County Training, I decided
that I really wanted to become a self employed driving instructor,
providing me with the complete career change that I needed."
Pictured above: Stephen Compton
In June 2009, Stephen started Drivers Instructing Training, and
since November 2009, has been working as a self-employed driving
instructor, working on a contractual basis.
He said "The support I have received has been invaluable. Moving
into this new direction has made such a huge difference to my life
and my confidence has soared. County Training also provided me with
financial support in the first month of me being self-employed,
which really helped me."
Councillor Steve Charmley, Portfolio Holder for Culture and
Leisure, commented "County Training assist many individuals
overcome significant barriers to achieve their ambitions. Stephen
is a great example of how the support and guidance provided through
into work programmes can make a massive difference to people's
lives."
County Training delivers Pathways to Work in Shropshire on
behalf of Remploy, the UK's leading provider of employment services
to people experiencing complex barriers to work.
If you are unemployed, have a disability or health condition and
think that Pathways to Work could help you, contact 0845 155
2819.