In 2013 Woodham Academy secured a bid through the Improving Progression of Young People Team which was to fund an initiative to support young people at the school to successfully move on into Education, Employment or Training post 16. Jak Miller formed part of the cohort. The aim was to boost self-confidence and self-esteem with a view to accelerating academic progress. When Jak was invited to become part of the cohort in June 2013, he had his heart set on becoming a mechanic and he spent the first 30 weeks of Year 10 working in a garage. After 18 weeks it became apparent to Jak that this was not an area in which he wanted to work. He had spoken with a family friend who is a plumber and felt like this was an area into which he might progress.
In September 2014, Jak started his placement at Mears. Since starting with Mears, Jak’s confidence has shot through the roof. This is a company that has helped him realise his true potential and calling. His enjoyment in the programme is evident through the significant impact it has had on his attendance. In Year 11 whilst at Mears his attendance has been 100%. His attendance at school is currently the highest it has ever been in recent years. Furthermore, Jak’s predicted grades have steadily improved since September.
Jak’s ultimate ambition is to own his own business. He has developed a series of long, medium and short term goals which will allow him to achieve this. His first step would be to get an apprenticeship, ideally at Mears. When Jak leaves Woodham Academy, he has applied to study Heating and Plumbing at Darlington College.
