From study programme learner to apprentice learning support officer
For April Jones, education wasn’t always a positive experience.
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, her anxiety increased significantly, making it increasingly difficult to attend school. At the time, she also had undiagnosed autism and ADHD, meaning she wasn’t receiving the support she needed to succeed.
As her attendance declined, so did her confidence.
Despite always enjoying learning, achieving strong academic results and being determined to do well, April reached a point where school no longer felt like a place where she could thrive.
“I felt hopeless and didn’t see a point in going to school because I wasn’t getting the support I needed.”
April later moved to home education, where she successfully achieved her Functional Skills Level 2 qualifications in English and Maths. She then attempted to return to mainstream education by enrolling on a Health and Social Care course at a mainstream college, but after spending so long away from education, she found the environment overwhelming and struggled to cope.
Everything changed when she joined JGA’s 16–18 Study Programme.
Enrolling on JGA’s Level 2 Health and Social Care course, April found an inclusive and supportive environment where she felt understood. With personalised support from staff, she rebuilt her confidence, rediscovered her motivation and began taking pride in her studies once again.
Her hard work and determination have led to outstanding results. April achieved top marks on her NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Health and Social Care and completed more than 140 hours of work experience, gaining valuable practical skills alongside her studies.
Reflecting on her experience, April said:
“JGA’s 16–18 Study Programme has genuinely changed my life, and my future, in the best way possible. The staff at Princess Park proved to me that all I needed was the right support in an inclusive environment and the opportunity to learn.”
Alongside her studies, April completed more than 140 hours of work experience, gaining valuable practical experience and building her confidence in the workplace. Through placements at Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) camps and opportunities to engage with organisations including Kent Fire and Rescue Service and Fastrack buses, she developed a broader understanding of different career pathways. She also took part in community initiatives such as Mission Christmas: Cash for Kids, further strengthening her teamwork, communication skills and commitment to supporting others.
April was also one of the learners that took part in the Mission Christmas: Cash for Kids in December (standing on the side, in black).
Having spent time away from education, April recognised that her social confidence had declined during home education. Through JGA, she was able to rebuild those skills both in the classroom and through work experience, preparing her for the next stage of her journey.
That next step came sooner than expected.
After excelling on the programme, April has now joined JGA as an Apprentice Learning Support Officer, where she will support new learners on the Study Programme.
Elisha Miller, Study Programme Manager at JGA, said:
“April Jones, who is one of our Health and Social Care Level 2 learners, is now joining JGA Group as staff as an Apprentice Learning Support Officer to support new learners on our Study Programme!”
Paula Yates, April’s tutor, added:
“It was clear from the start of the course that April was going to be an exceptional student. She is hardworking, diligent and always keen to challenge herself. She has been a pleasure to teach and deserves all her success.”
For April, returning to JGA as a member of staff is an opportunity to give back.
“I have always loved the thought of being able to support young people in education to help them thrive and do the best they can, and now I have the opportunity to do for other people what JGA has done for me.”
April’s journey is a powerful example of what can happen when learners are given the right support, an inclusive environment and the opportunity to succeed. Today, she’s not only building her own future, she’s helping the next generation of learners build theirs.
