Leah Donoghue

From uncertainty to purpose: Leah’s Journey

Initially unsure of which career path to pursue, Leah began her journey at Itec’s Merthyr centre by developing soft skills via the Jobs Growth Wales Plus (JGW+) programme, taking part in wellbeing trips, activities, and building positive relationships with her peers.

Alongside her personal growth, Leah worked closely with her Itec tutor to complete curriculum tasks. With determination and positivity, Leah completed an impressive range of qualifications including three Employability Skills levels, Application of Numbers Skills and an introduction to Health and Social Care.

Through both personal and professional development supported by the JGW+ programme, Leah began to establish a clear understanding of the career path she wanted to pursue. With facilitation from Itec, she secured a placement at Willows Youth Programme in Merthyr where she began working towards a Level 1 qualification in Health and Social Care, Early Years and Childcare.

Leah made a significant and lasting impact on her placement. She built strong, positive relationships with young people, leads activities with enthusiasm and care, supports colleagues with reliability and empathy, and consistently demonstrates leadership and professionalism beyond her years.

Over the course of her journey on JGW+, Leah has gone from uncertainty to remarkable personal and professional growth, highlighting her as a model learner who inspires others through her dedication, resilience, and commitment to her own development.

Leah comments, “Because of Itec, I learnt that growth doesn’t happen all at once. It happens in every lesson, every challenge, and every moment of support, shaping me into a better version of myself, one day at a time.”

With increased confidence and a clear career path ahead, Leah has now completed the Level 1 qualification. Having secured employment with an agency and placed with a local Welsh-medium primary school, she is well-positioned to make an even greater impact in her chosen field.