A Hull teenager has overcome a series of personal challenges is celebrating a year of individual and academic achievement after finding the right support at Hull Training and Adult Education (HTAE).
Seventeen-year-old Alfie Palframan joined HTAE in September last year after experiencing challenges in mainstream education.
Suffering from ADHD and autism, he has also battled anxiety and depression and often found it difficult to engage with education and attend regularly.
With support from his family and professionals, Alfie began exploring alternative education options and was introduced to HTAE. After visiting the Construction Centre at Nursery Grove, he immediately felt comfortable in the learning environment and positive about the opportunities available to him.
"I came in and had a look around and they treat you more like an adult here,” he said. “I got on with everyone straight away and felt comfortable. The environment suited me and helped me settle in."
Alfie's mum, Marie, said the family had known for some time that he needed additional support.
"We got to the end of primary school and just knew something wasn't quite right,” she explained. “He was later diagnosed with ADHD and autism, and we managed to get an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), put in place just before he came here."
Like many young people, Alfie's education was also disrupted during the COVID-19 pandemic, with changes to routine and additional pressures making an already difficult situation even harder to manage.
Since joining HTAE, Alfie has made significant progress both academically and personally. His attendance reached 82.4 per cent and he successfully achieved a range of qualifications and practical skills throughout the academic year.
Alfie Palframan, 17, a Joinery and Carpentry learner at Hull Training and Adult Education's Construction Centre, is celebrating a successful and transformational year after finding the support he needed to thrive at HTAE.
Alongside his joinery studies, Alfie achieved Health and Safety Level 1, English Functional Skills Level 2 (reading, writing, speaking and listening), and Maths Functional Skills Level 1. He also completed Level 1 carpentry units in skirting and architrave, door panel construction, window frame construction, and roof truss construction. Building on these achievements, he is now progressing to GCSE Maths.
Studying joinery has allowed Alfie to develop practical skills, improve his communication, and build positive relationships with staff and fellow learners. As his confidence grew, so did his enjoyment of learning.
"Joinery was one of those things I tried and liked, and it became more enjoyable over time. The first few months were a challenge, but I was determined to keep going and get better at it, and that really helped build my confidence," he said. "The rapport is so much better here. It's easier to be myself around people."
During his course, Alfie completed a range of practical projects, including fitting skirting boards using a coping saw, constructing a roof truss, and building a wheelbarrow, helping him develop technical skills and confidence in using industry tools and equipment. One project that particularly inspired him was a Wheel of Fortune built by fellow learners.
"That really caught my eye. I'd like to be involved in projects like that,” Alfie added. "I enjoy making and creating things and seeing the end result. It's definitely worth the effort."
Alfie's tutors have supported him throughout his time at HTAE and have seen first-hand the progress he has made.
"Alfie has a great attitude towards his work and towards other members of the group. His determination to improve and perfect his practical skills has been impressive. He has willingly given up some of his free time to attend additional tuition sessions so he could further develop his practical skills and techniques. "Since joining us, Alfie has achieved all of the targets set for him and has become a valued member of the joinery group. It has been a pleasure to support him and see the progress he has made."
Through his EHCP, Alfie developed positive relationships with staff, helping him engage more fully with learning and build confidence in his abilities. Regular communication between HTAE and his family also ensured he received consistent guidance both at home and in the classroom. Marie credits the communication and encouragement from staff as a key factor in her son's progress.
"Lee and the team always kept me updated,” she said: “I was always informed about how he was doing and could see the progression he was making. “Compared to a year ago, getting him out of the house was a huge challenge. The change has been so significant. “Being at HTAE has helped him communicate better, talk to people and really develop as a person."
Alfie Palframan, 17, has embraced every opportunity at HTAE's Construction Centre, achieving significant personal and academic progress during a transformational year.
Reflecting on the past year, Alfie recognises how much he has achieved.
"I struggle sometimes with recognising my achievements, but when I stop and think about how far I've come, I feel like a completely different person. I'm a lot happier and more confident."
Building on his success, Alfie returned to HTAE this September to continue his studies on the Level 1 Extended programme. Tutors and staff will continue to support him in developing both his vocational and employability skills as he works towards his future career goals. Looking ahead, Alfie is excited about the future and the opportunities a career in joinery could offer.
"I think I'll enjoy the creative side of joinery and seeing what I can achieve," he said.
Alfie's story highlights how personalised support, practical learning and a positive learning environment can help young people overcome barriers, gain recognised qualifications, and develop the confidence, skills and experience needed to progress into further education, training, or employment.