After being unemployed for 18 months, a man has transformed his life and landed a dream apprenticeship.

Josh Francis, 23, is now five months into his trainee ICT engineer role with the Port of Dover.

After the demoralising experience of being out of work, Mr Francis got himself back into employment after completing a training scheme that gave him self-belief and relevant experience.

The four-week Change Direction course – run by Isle of Wight youth charity UKSA – is aimed at people aged 16 to 24 who are seeking to move off benefits and into employment.

It involves a two-week residency consisting of marine industry workshops and water-based activities at UKSA’s Cowes HQ, followed by two weeks of hands-on work experience back home.

Some 85% of participants have moved into work or training.

Josh, of Victoria Park, Dover, said: “I’d been unemployed for 18 months and felt really low and worthless, so when my local Job Centre Plus recommended Change Direction last summer I jumped at the chance.

“My communication skills improved, and I became a lot more assured around new people.

"Plus I discovered a new-found confidence around the water, having not had much to do with boats before.

“Work experience with the Port of Dover’s marine team was fun and varied, and I got stuck into cleaning and maintaining the launch boats, working in the engine room on the dredger and a stint on the cruise ships.

“I was made to feel like a proper member of the team, and it made me determined to get a permanent job.”

See www.uksa.org

To find out more about hiring an apprentice, click here, or email kickstartkent@thekmgroup.co.uk.