Martyn completes English qualification to help with dream career

A foster parent from Preston has used a local training provider to take a step closer to his dream career.

Martyn Shaw from Fulwood has completed his Foundation Year studying social work at University of Central Lancashire (@of_lancashire), after additional support from PHX Training (@phxtraining) helped him to pass the year after being diagnosed with dyslexia.

Martyn, who is currently fostering three children, decided he wanted to learn more about the theoretical side of fostering by completing a social work degree, but soon found that traditional learning was a struggle for him before being diagnosed as dyslexic by the university.

Working with UCLan, PHX Training, which has a centre at Marshall House on Ringway, devised a learning plan to help Martyn complete his Level 2 English qualification and improve his functional skills so he could pass the foundation year and move towards starting his honours degree.

A blended learning plan, consisting of both classroom and online learning, was developed for Martyn to help him complete his qualification around his studies and home life, preparing him for exams in reading and writing and speaking and listening which completed this summer.

Tertia Dowdall, Martyn’s tutor at PHX Training said:

“It is not uncommon for learning difficulties, such as dyslexia, to be identified until people return to learning as a mature student.

“As a result, we have been able to work with Martyn to develop a training plan that suits his needs and allows him to achieve his goal of gaining a Functional Skills qualification in English and continue his education with the University.”

PHX Training has training centres throughout Lancashire and Cumbria at Barrow, Carlisle, Morecambe, Preston and Blackpool, to help people complete training courses and apprenticeships to help people back into work.

PHX Training delivers government-backed initiatives including adult skills – Maths, English and vocational courses, NEET (not in education, employment or training), employability contracts and apprenticeships.

To enquire about current skills training or about starting training to become a work coach, contact PHX Training, call 01228 810 960.