Cheryl Powell
In 2002 Cheryl was overcoming abuse, self-harm, crime and addiction, and having undergone rehabilitation, Cheryl saw The Prince’s Trust 12-week Team Programme as her chance to refocus. As well as gaining skills in employability and personal development, Cheryl achieved a Level 2 qualification in Numeracy and Literacy. Cheryl volunteered for many months with the work-based learning team who ran the programme, working on a variety of schemes to help disadvantaged young people in Plymouth, and eventually gained a full-time paid post.
Cheryl continued to learn while employed and gained a Level 5 Diploma in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector, a Level 2 Award in Counselling, a Level 3 NVQ in Advice and Guidance and a Level 2 qualification in Adult Learner Support. Cheryl also gained The Prince’s Trust Team Leader Award and went on to lead many team programmes, and in 2008 she was promoted to Lead Training Officer. Cheryl – who is now a member of the work-based learning department’s management team at City College Plymouth and is completing a Psychology Diploma – continues to be instrumental in raising the skills and employability of many young people in Plymouth. She said, “I feel that not only have I turned my own life around, but I have encouraged and empowered other young people to do the same.”