Paula's story is incredible. Not many 17 year olds have had to display the same courage, determination and personal character to overcome the adversity that she faced. Sadly many of the problems that Paula has had to overcome are common to many young people who City Gateway works with in Tower Hamlets; exclusion from mainstream education, a lack of positive role models and low educational achievement.

Paula came from a family lacking in positive role models holding down jobs and had been out of mainstream education since the age of 11. She suffered with many self-esteem issues and behavioural difficulties that young people who end up outside the mainstream face. When Paula arrived at City Gateway from a local pupil referral unit she had behavioural problems and little hope of getting a  job; her progression through City Gateway's training did not look certain. She also suffered personal tragedy with the death of a close family member and became a victim of physical violence outside of training, leaving her with a broken nose and other injuries.

However with the wrap-around support that City Gateway's Ofsted Outstanding training offers, and a personal dedication to build a positive future, Paula showed incredible resilience and maturity. She completed her level 2 apprenticeship and, along with City Gateway's Corporate Relations and Employment Team, secured a placement with Canary Wharf Group in Human Resources.

Her manager said this of her: "Paula has a fantastic attitude towards work and her ability to learn and pick things up quickly is refreshing.  She shows enthusiasm, initiative and maturity way beyond her years.  It is an absolute pleasure to have Paula in our team." Her apprenticeship contract was extended before it was turned into a full time contract in Autumn 2011.

Paula's take on the change in her life is as follows: "At times I was not keen to continue and did not see the point in staying with education. However City Gateway supported me through this and I continued with the course before being accepted onto their IT apprenticeship. I was then offered the chance to interview for a placement with Canary Wharf Group for a job in their personnel department which I was successful in getting." Paula's understated take on her new job belies the tenacity she has shown, and she has every reason to be exceptionally proud of her achievement.  Paula is now looking to go on to study HR at college and university; a future in management has become her new goal. She went on to say, "It is unbelievable that despite my background I am in the position I am and without City Gateway's support this would not have been the case."

Over 300 young people each year come to City Gateway, many facing the same challenges that Paula did. The amazing thing is that the type of outcome is not one that is out of the ordinary for City Gateway apprentices or partner employers. To help transform the future of another of the young people we work with why not take them on as an apprentice and also reap the benefits of eager, trained staff ready to contribute to your business. To find out more click here.