Dyslexia Awareness Week - Kirsty Thomas

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​We caught up with a former Wales England Care Dyslexic student, Kirsty Thomas, who recently passed her Apprenticeship in Level 5 Management in Childcare.

On Dyslexia Awareness Week, we wanted to ask her a few questions about her experiences with Dyslexia. Particularly her  experience doing an apprenticeship, and her advice to anyone thinking of starting an apprenticeship with Wales England Care Ltd who may have Dyslexia. 
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When were you get diagnosed with Dyslexia? 
'I was 8 when I was diagnosed with dyslexia at school, and I struggled with writing and reading the most. My teachers didn’t think I was going to pass any of my GCSEs exams, which is why I started to believe I would never achieve anything in school. However, I proved them wrong. I passed 90% of them, including my English and Maths.'

What are your strengths because of dyslexia?
'I think dyslexia gives you an inner drive to never give up. When you’re told you may not be able to do something, it makes you think, well why not? So, then you want to prove them wrong. It makes you more resilient to succeed. That’s a big strength for me.'

How did you find studying with Wales England Care ltd?
'I worked whilst studying for my apprenticeship, so I would do my coursework out of hours at home. There were times where I would read a question and not understand it, so would need to contact my accessor for additional support. Even when it was out of hours, they would contact me, providing me with support and guidance on what the question was asking and offer me writing direction.  I really can’t fault the support I had from Wales England Care ltd.'

How do you find working with dyslexia?
'Everyone at the Childcare Nursery I work with knows that I have dyslexia and I get support from my employer with writing reports if needed.

I don’t worry about my dyslexia at all now and I’ve achieved what I wanted to become, a manager.'

What would you say to anyone looking to start an apprenticeship that may have dyslexia?
'Go for it! I have an employee who’s looking to do an apprenticeship and has dyslexia. She came to me and said she thought she couldn’t do it. I told her I am proof that she can, that I have done it and passed it and she could do the same.

​You can do anything you put your mind to!'

Thanks Kirsty, for letting us interview you. 

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