At NCW, we focus hugely on transition for our students to become independent young people. In Sixth Form, this includes various modules such as learning how to access support services, as well as enhancing social skills, support networks and careers guidance and work experience.

Not letting the current climate phase him, keen Year 13 student Max, decided to keep practising those all-important independent skills that he is learning in Sixth Form by working for his family business during lockdown.
Max’s grandparents have a long established family run business in the schoolwear industry, something which Max had been eager to learn more about.

Due to Covid-19 and not being able to operate from their usual place of work, Max helped set up the selling of three junior schools from his home during the summer holidays. He managed orders over email, used voice over to instruct him about the orders and then picked and packed the uniforms to send out to customers!

Returning to NCW in September for the start of a brand new term, Max has become proficient in his organisational and customer service skills. He is now transferring these to a new work placement at local Upton Baptist Church, which is linked with his studies at Sixth Form.

Max attends the church four days per week and is getting involved with looking after the community fridge, working in the café and maintaining the communal garden area. He is learning lots about the local community, their needs and how to respond.

Praising Max, Rev Amy Wearling said: “Max is such a great member of our team!”

Great work Max!