A local woman from Madeley has accelerated up the career ladder following support from County Training.

Dawn Hall started working at the Abraham Darby Academy, Madeley, 22 years ago as a cleaner. After achieving numerous qualifications with Shropshire Council's County Training less than three years ago, Dawn has progressed from School Caretaker to Internal Exclusion Manager. 

Dawn left school with no qualifications but within the past three years, has achieved, what would take many their entire working life. With support from County Training and her colleagues at Abraham Darby, coupled with her own sheer determination and enthusiasm, Dawn has achieved three qualifications 

and is now looking at undertaking her fourth, an NVQ in Information, Advice and Guidance. County Training are so impressed with Dawn's progress they have nominated her for a 2010 Adult Learners Week Award.

Originally an Abraham Darby pupil herself, in her new role, Dawn works with children who are finding it difficult to settle in the classroom. She helps them with any issues they may have and provides the support they need to become engaged with their work again. Dawn says, "If I can make a difference to one child's school experience in helping to make it a positive one, it's all worth it. County Training have provided me with the opportunity to develop myself and gain the confidence and skills needed to offer this support to pupils."

County Training are the largest provider of vocational training in Shropshire, offering a broad range of support  to school leavers, businesses and those who are unemployed and looking to return to the workplace. Through County Training, Dawn has achieved to date; a Support Work in Schools VRQ, Literacy at Level 2, Numeracy at Level 1 and is working towards her Numeracy Level 2 qualification. Councillor Steve Charmley, Portfolio Holder for Culture and Leisure at Shropshire Council comments, "Dawn demonstrates that nothing is impossible when you put your mind to it. She also shows how training and gaining qualifications really does help people to progress in their careers."

Dawn, along with several colleagues, is now taking steps to starting a selection of NVQs with County Training. Chris Barcroft, Induction Tutor at Abraham Darby Academy, has worked closely with Dawn throughout her training; "Dawn has shown others at the school the value of continued learning. We are a learning community here at Abraham Darby Academy which benefits the everyday running of the school, but most importantly helps the pupils to make the most of their education."

If you are currently working and interested in undertaking some training NVQ's are available in; Business Administration, Childcare, Customer Service, Distribution, Warehousing and Storage, Hairdressing and Barbering, Health and Social Care, Hospitality and Catering, Information, Advice and Guidance, Information Technology, Management, Sales and Telesales. Funding may be available subject to eligibility criteria being met.