Darren Haswel (18) started at Rathbone Training, Felling on the 29th March 2004. He knew as soon as he started that he wanted to take up Joinery as a career choice. However Darren had a problem, he is dyslexic!
Because of his dyslexia he had been unable to maintain a substantial school-life and attended many schools.
From the ages 14-16 he attended Talbot House School, Newcastle. He did well in his Technology classes and achieved a good grade in his exam. However reading, writing and numeracy were still a problem.
When asked how he coped Darren said that the Teachers would read out the questions or problems to him so that he could answer them, by doing this Darren never had to face up to his problem.
When Darren joined Rathbone at the beginning of the year, he did not have a 'statement' from his school to prove his dyslexia. With the help of Helen Bishop and sponsorship from the Learning Skills Council he was sent to the Dyslexia Institute who put Darren though a number of tests which confirmed that he was dyslexic. He was accepted into the Institute to receive help with his reading and writing.
Darren goes to the Institute once a week and has been going for the past six months. He says of his time there 'My first day was terrible, I didnt want to go back because it was so hard' Luckily for Darren he spoke with another learner who had been attending for a while and who encouraged Darren to stick at it as the benefits far out weighed the difficulties.
For Darren it was an important turning point in his life. Even though it was difficult for him he decided to persevere as he realised he would not be able to fulfil his potential if he didnt at least give it a go.
As well as attending the Dyslexia Institute Darren receives one to one support from Michelle Graham the Basic Skills Tutor at Felling. Michelle is extremely impressed with the progress Darren has made in such a short period of time. 'Darren has really come into his own these past few months. He has achieved such a lot and has such a positive attitude he has impressed everyone he has come into contact with'
Darren will continue with his support at both Rathbone Training and the Dyslexia Institute while he is doing his Apprenticeship in Joinery. He is gaining experience by working with his Father at Austen Gorhams. Darren was asked if when he finishes his Training he would continue working with his Father. Darrens response summed up the positive and motivated outlook of this young man, 'No, he is going to be working for me!' I strongly believe he will Darren!
