Shaun Allison
As a 16-year-old teenager with no qualifications, Shaun began working on building sites as a bricklayer. Over ten years later, Shaun became self-employed, but the recession that followed meant difficult times. However, it gave Shaun a chance to consider what he really wanted to do. Because he lacked qualifications, Shaun enrolled on an Entry Level 3 Literacy course at Kirklees College in 2008, and it was suggested that he attend the Huddersfield Library Reading Group too. Shaun loved the library reading group and found that he progressed through his literacy exams at college up to Level 2 Literacy, also gaining Level 2 Numeracy. Library staff asked Shaun if he’d run the reading group, which he did, supporting others with their literacy, often on a one-to-one basis. To develop this new-found skill, Shaun also completed an Adult Learner Support course.
Most recently, Shaun has been undergoing Commit 2 Change Offender Mentor Training with West Yorkshire Probation Service, and he now mentors young people on probation, encouraging them to take advantage of opportunities, including learning. Shaun summarised, “Getting back into learning turned my life around and I want it to do the same for other people.”