Kevin Petrie
Kevin had experienced many personal difficulties in his life, including long-term disability. As he grew older, he realised his ambition was to help other vulnerable people achieve their goals. Unfortunately, Kevin’s lack of qualifications and experience didn’t allow him to do this, so in 2008, his counsellor suggested he volunteer with Blue Cat Initiative on their community learning projects. For the two years that followed, Kevin helped out on a variety of schemes, from media to football, supporting others in their learning. Mike at Blue Cat suggested Kevin undertake the Level 3 Teaching and Supporting Vulnerable Learners course, which he passed. He then completed Level 3 in Mentoring and Level 2 in Literacy. Kevin’s experience, his natural ability to help vulnerable people and those all-important qualifications mean Kevin has now been able to start a volunteer role with the YMCA in Great Yarmouth.
“Learning helped me to get into the career that I had always wanted,” said Kevin, who continued, “It has made me realise and achieve my dreams.” He ended, “Learning can really change your life. It has changed mine. I’m so proud and excited that I now support people to learn and change theirs.”
