Tayana Martelette X Itec
Itec’s Youngest Employee: Professional and Passionate
Transitioning from Jobs Growth Wales+ learner to full-time employee, Tayana Martelette, 16, has been hired by Itec as Additional Learning Support for the Cardiff centre. This case study showcases Tayana’s progression and capability as she brings both passion and lived experience to the role.
Having faced challenges with dyslexia and a lack of support during her own education, Tayana is deeply committed to ensuring others do not face the same barriers. Her personal insight means her empathy and understanding shines through in the high-quality, professional support she provides to her peers. Tayana is not only a reliable and encouraging presence for learners, but also an excellent communicator who works effectively with colleagues across the team.
Background
“When I was in school, I really struggled with my learning. Reading and processing information was difficult for most of my school life. It took until Year 11 for me to be diagnosed with dyslexia. Even after my diagnosis, I had no support in my school, and neither did anyone else with other additional learning needs. We were all very dismissed. So, then I realised I want to become additional learning support. I want to be a one-to-one support so they know that they’re not alone.
“I spoke to my careers advisor at the time and asked how I can get into being a one-to-one, and she gave me a couple of different options. She talked about college to do Children’s Care, Play, Learning and Development, or Support and Teaching. I was in college for about a month, and I didn’t like it. I didn’t like the environment, I didn’t really like the people and I was not very good in a classroom-based environment as that’s not how I can retain information. I left college and came to Itec and, even from my very first meeting, I loved it.”
Progression at Itec
Itec was clearly the right place for Tayana as she began to settle in and respond to learning from day one.
She said, “As a learner, at first I was very shy and quiet but I would still go home and I tell my dad, ‘Oh, I had such a good day. I really liked it.’”
Tayana was a learner on the Jobs Growth Wales+ programme at Itec as a learner for just three months, during which she was recognised for her talent and encouraged in the direction of launching into her career.
“During a ‘careers workshop’, my tutor Cath was reading my CV with me, and she said, ‘Why don’t you apply for a fixed term job at Itec?’. I got the interview a couple of days later. And the same day as interview, Anthony came, called me back into office and told him they’re going to hire me. I was so happy and excited.”
Anthony Mapstone, JGW+ Area Manager, said, “It was clear Tayana had innate skills and passion for supporting people from the start of her time as a learner. Although it may seem like a leap to some, she is very well suited to the role of Additional Learning Support and that’s what we are all about at Itec; helping people launch their careers and progress with the right support for them. For Tayana, that means giving her the opportunity to do what she feels called to do and she is a great asset to the Itec team in Cardiff.”
Life in the workplace
Transitional from learner to staff has been smooth for Tayana as she achieves balance in setting boundaries but utilising her experience and relatability.
She said, “A lot of the learners I support are 16, the same age as me, and learners in my class and in other classes have bonded with me really quickly, even though I didn’t speak to them when I was a learner. They feel they’re able to talk to me about a lot of things they might not be able to talk to another member of staff about. I am very much a member of staff; this is a professional relationship, but it is nice to see them trust me and feel like they are able to talk to me.”
Tayana inspires her team as she carries her positive experiences and tougher ordeals with her, using them to grow and excel in her new career.
At just 16, Tayana’s maturity and approach has made her strong bonds with colleagues.
Tayana’s former Youth Tutor, now colleague, Cathryn Allan said, “I am incredibly proud of Tayana and the remarkable growth she has demonstrated over the past few months. Her journey has been nothing short of inspiring. Tayana has shown immense confidence and self-assurance, which was evident during our one-to-one discussions. She expressed a keen interest in working with SEN learners, and we delved deeper into this passion, reviewing her CV to refer her for a role within our company.
“Tayana’s preparation and performance during her interview were excellent, and she transitioned from a learner to a staff member with remarkable ease. Her dedication and commitment have not only helped her build wonderful relationships with her learners but also led her to consistently offer support beyond her job description.
“Tayana’s influence extends beyond her direct interactions with learners; she has inspired both our learners and the centre staff. Her journey is a testament to what can be achieved with determination and passion, and she has set a standard for all of us to aspire to. Tayana’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact one individual can have on our centre, and I am honoured to have witnessed her growth and have her part of our wonderful team.”

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