Robert is a young man in his early twenties who has achieved his goals, he got his dream job after he completed his Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) NVQ.

When the tutors from Learning Links met Robert he was in full time employment in a betting shop and a volunteer at the Prince’s Trust.

He had been trying to gain full time employment in this field for a long time.

As a volunteer he was mentoring young offenders in jail. When they were released he would support them with housing, benefits, employment, drugs and any other issues they might have, hopefully enabling them re-establish themselves in the community.

As an ex-offender himself he was passionate about his mentoring role and had been trying to gain full time employment in this field for a long time.

Through the Prince’s Trust he was given the opportunity to expand his knowledge by undertaking a NVQ Level 2 in Information Advice and Guidance (IAG).

If he was interested in gaining employment in and advisory role the IAG was a requirement.

At first Robert was reluctant to study as he already had a degree in Criminology and wondered what advantages this could give him.

Learning Links tutors advised him that if he was interested in gaining employment in an advisory role the IAG was a requirement that most potential employers would look for.

During the interview the IAG qualification had given him a lead for the position

He went on to achieve his NVQ Level 2 in IAG. Following the achievement of the qualification Robert applied for two jobs within this role.

He was amazed when he was offered both positions and mentioned that during the interview the IAG qualification had given him a lead for the position he had applied for.

He now works as a key worker.

*This is a true success story however his name is not Robert. He wanted to share the story but chose to remain anonymous.