At Itec, we are committed to ensuring that every learner has the opportunity to thrive, no matter their starting point. The journeys of EP and JL, two dedicated participants on the Jobs Growth Wales+ programme, shine a light on the impact of personalised support and the strength of our partnership with Cardiff & Vale University Health Board (UHB). Their achievements illustrate what is possible when tailored provision and meaningful employer collaboration come together.

Both learners EP and JL have high level additional learning needs, and from the outset, our team worked closely with them and their families to build a learning environment that felt accessible, safe, and genuinely supportive. This included adapting delivery methods, offering 1:1 Essential Skills tutoring, arranging funded transport, providing wellbeing sessions, and implementing appropriate access arrangements for all assessments. To reduce barriers and ensure a consistent experience, our staff also conducted onsite assessments directly within each learner’s NHS placement, a key factor in helping both individuals feel confident and capable in a real working environment.

EP’s determination has resulted in an impressive set of achievements, including Level 2 qualifications in Application of Number and Communication, as well as a Level 1 IT User award. She is now progressing towards Level 2 Supporting Health and Wellbeing, building skills directly aligned with NHS roles. JL has also excelled, securing Level 1 qualifications in Application of Number and Communication while working towards Level 1 Digital Literacy and Level 2 Supporting Health and Wellbeing. Their successes are not just academic, they represent major steps towards independence, self belief, and long term employability.

The impact of this support has been strongly felt by families. One parent shared:
“I sing your praises to anyone who will listen! Itec has been brilliant for EP.”
Feedback like this underlines the difference that compassionate, tailored provision can make, not only to learners but to those who support them.

Our partnership with Cardiff & Vale UHB has played an equally transformative role. Both learners were matched to placements that suited their strengths, EP within administration, and JL within records and filing. These environments provided structured routines, supportive colleagues, and tasks that enabled their skills to shine. UHB’s commitment ensured that learners felt welcome, valued, and equipped to succeed from day one.

AMG, Supported Internships Service Manager, reflected on the collaboration:
“The transition from Project SEARCH to Itec has been smooth and simple, the support provided by Itec staff has been superb.”

NP, Workforce & Recruitment Manager, added:
“Our partnership with Itec and Project Search provides a seamless pathway into meaningful employment for young people with ALN, demonstrating the real impact of this collaborative approach.”

Together, this coordinated support network has created a powerful pathway into the NHS. As a result, both learners have gained practical work experience, achieved qualifications, grown in confidence, and taken significant steps towards sustained employment within a sector they are passionate about.

EP and JL’s stories demonstrate what can be achieved when young people with ALN are given the right opportunities, the right guidance, and the right environment to flourish. At Itec, we are incredibly proud of everything they have accomplished, and excited for what comes next in their journeys.