Martin Shaw – September 2011

Martin did not want to come to Juniper initially, he hated being in a classroom, but once he came and saw how interactive and different the sessions were to what he remembered at school he really enjoyed it!

Martin said: "I joined Juniper not wanting to feel like I was back at school!  I really didn't expect it to be like it was, they supported me to apply for this apprenticeship, in a practical helpful way that made me very motivated to get it. I wanted an apprenticeship in gardening and I got one!"

Gardening 4 Less said: “Martin is a very motivated and hard working lad”

Wesley Lloyd – September 2011

Wesley progressed from XL to an apprenticeship in manufacturing, an industry that he was very keen to enter.  He is now earning his own money which has enabled him to begin living independently.

Wesley said: "I really enjoyed XL.  All of the programme was fun and interesting and I have now got an apprenticeship which was the thing I most wanted"

Owen Bennet of Sumed said: "Wesley is working hard and picking up new skills really quickly"

Tommy Johnson – September 2011

Tommy joined Juniper to get career advice and support. He knew by the end of the XL programme that he wanted to be a mechanic or progress into the army.  He achieved his aim by progressing into the Army.

Tommy said: "I am over the moon to have progressed into the army, it has been my ambition for such a long time.  I would like to thank everyone at Juniper for the support I received"

Tom Ramsey - September 2011

Tom has always wanted a career in motor body repairs and after completing the XL programme was delighted to progress onto an apprenticeship at Lightfoot Motor Body Repairs in Hyde.

Tom said: "All the staff at Juniper were great, they offered me all the support I needed and sorted my apprenticeship in body repairs!"

Neil Lightfoot (MD) at Lightfoot Motor Body Repairs said: "Tom is turning out to be quite an asset. He's very motivated and always keeps himself busy!"

Shamiso Mudzwenbiri – September 2011

Unsure of what she wanted to do with her life Shamiso joined XL.  She flourished whilst on programme and gained qualifications as well as valuable employability skills.  Shamiso progressed from XL to the Princes Trust.

Shamiso said: "I enjoyed everything about the XL course and I have made some great friends. I decided to go to the Princes Trust after having several other offers"

James Team Leader at the Princes Trust said: "Shamiso is a great character within the group and has some excellent skills, she is a pleasure to have around"

Sam Minshull - September 2011

Sam came to Juniper to improve his maths skills and gain employability skills. After attending a work placement at a local company, Sam was offered a joinery apprenticeship.

Sam said: "I can't speak highly enough about Juniper and the XL programme.  If it wasn't for the staff at Juniper, I would never have got this apprenticeship"

Bob Enniss, ATF Glossop said: "Sam has worked hard since starting with us and he's learning a lot"

Munhil Imran - September 2011

Munhil joined our XL programme over the summer as she didn’t want to waste the summer!  She worked on her English Skills and achieved the Level 1 Functional Skill in English.  Munhil progressed from XL to the level 2 Media course at Walsall College.

Munhil said: "Me and my sister decided that we didn't want to waste the summer so we came to Juniper as they had been to our school and told us about the XL course. We have really enjoyed it and found everyone really friendly"

Demi Stewart - September 2011

Demi joined the XL course with a view to bettering her qualifications as she wanted to go college.  Demi completed both the maths and English Functional Skills qualifications, as well as the NOCN certificate.  Demi progressed from XL to Walsall College.

Demi said: "I needed to get some better grades so I could do the public service course at Walsall College. Juniper helped me get my level 1 in English which is where I was struggling. Thanks everyone who helped me"

Axel Jackson - September 2011

Axel wanted to get into plumbing and needed some help to do so.  He completed the XL course and gained qualifications to help him gain a place on a plumbing course at NOVA.

Axel said: "I didn't think I would be able to get the job I wanted but Juniper have helped me to do this, I'm really pleased and can't wait to get started!"

Amanda Foster – NOVA said: "Axel gave a great interview and created a really good impression on the staff. We are delighted to have him on board"