Thanet College student Chris Smith has overcome a lifelong battle with poor self confidence and numeracy skills to achieve a top national award.
The 24-year-old successfully completed a modern apprenticeship in 2005, working with children with hearing disabilities at a school in Margate.
Chris has since passed his advanced modern apprenticeship after a 12-month absence from the course because of his personal difficulties.
He is now a deputy manager of a care home, with responsibility for 20 staff and 25 elderly residents, and recently achieved an NVQ Level 3 for Application of Number Key Skills.
In recognition of his success, Chris was awarded an Individual Learner Award by Sky News presenter Charlotte Hawkins during a ceremony to celebrate National Adult Learners Week.
He said: “I knew that without an apprenticeship I wouldn’t be able to further my career. I feel that in addition to my formal qualifications, I’ve developed as a person. I intend to move on to my NVQ Level 4 and my Registered Managers Award.”