A Cumnock mum has explained how an opportunity handed to her son has completely changed so many aspects of his life.
Local lad Mason Kidd was announced as a nominee for the Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce’s ‘Apprentice of the Year’ award.
Joining eco-friendly bsuiness The Way Forward 2045 in April 2023, Mason soon started his MA SQA SVQ Retail Skills at SCQF Level 5 thereafter, with support and mentoring from CEIS Ayrshire.
CEIS Ayrshire offers employability, training and workforce development support across the region.
The category that Mason has been shortlisted in aims to showcases the dedication, commitment and high skill levels of those individual candidates who have chosen an apprenticeship route to enable them to further their career progression.
Mason's mum, Alyson, said that these have resulted in many positive changes in his life.
Alyson said: “Masons Modern Apprenticeship has been incredible for him. Masons’ dad and I have seen so many positive changes in him, his communication skills, his confidence, his self-worth, his work ethic and general all round growth and maturity.
"Mason has a lot on his plate as a young neuro diverse man, as while he has been doing his apprenticeship, he has also been supporting me during ill health.
"Between the Modern Apprenticeship and the mentoring and encouragement from his fantastic employer has made an unmeasurable positive impact on Mason.
"I don’t think you could get any more out of a Modern Apprenticeship than Mason has.
"He has put his everything into it and has been able to achieve a solid foundation for his working life.”
READ MORE: Eco-friendly Cumnock business nominated for Net Zero award
Winners of the awards will be announced at the ceremony on Friday, October 4 at Ayr Racecourse.
Helen, Mason's mentor from CEIS Ayrshire added: “Mason’s apprenticeship has undoubtedly been a catalyst for developing a broad range of skills essential for a career in retail, aside from gaining valuable industry knowledge and contributing meaningfully to The Way Forward 2045 and its values.
"His dedication to trying new things and to building his confidence, along with the positive impact he has had on others, make him a deserving candidate for this award.
"It would not only recognise the hard work, commitment and determination he has invested, but inspire him to develop his skills further and encourage others to build their own confidence and embrace new opportunities.”
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