Brandon on the right path to success

It's been a whirlwind few weeks for former RNC student, Brandon Hulcoop.
Since leaving RNC at the end of term, he returned home to Plymouth and started volunteering with the RNIB as part of the Ivybridge Transcription team where he transcribed documents and catalogued CDs for a few hours a day.

Alongside this, Brandon was actively looking for jobs through the Kickstart Scheme, which provides funding to employers to create jobs for 16 to 24 year olds on Universal Credit.

He applied for about 15 admin posts and was quickly invited for interview by Skilltec Training for an Admin Assistant position in their Business Support Department.

He was out shopping with family when he got the call offering him the job and, as you can imagine, they were ecstatic. Brandon said: 

'Mum flung her arms around me and span me around - people on the street were starting to stare and clap.'

Brandon starts his new role on 9 August and is in the process of applying to the 'Access to Work' scheme as he will need JAWS software in the workplace.

However, until the 'Access to Work' application is approved, Brandon will use his own laptop at work to ensure his start date isn't delayed. He will also use his own BrailleNote when needed.

Brandon's Mobility Officer has also arranged some training on the route from home to work, including using the local bus service.

'I never thought I would walk straight out of education into a job', exclaimed Brandon.

'The Transitions Team at RNC were really helpful and without them, I wouldn't be in the position I am now. They taught me how to format my CV and the first thing the interviewer said to me was that he really liked my CV and covering letter - it stood out to him more than any other he'd read.'

Brandon went on to say:

'RNC's IT Department was absolutely fantastic and if it wasn't for them, I wouldn't have the skills to apply for a job like this and my Business qualifications will also stand me in good stead as I've learnt so much about the different aspects of business and have undertaken some practical work experience.'

Brandon will be working part-time, 25 hours per week but, if he is taken on at the end of the six month period, he will be made full-time.

'The RNC has been the best part of my life so far and without it I wouldn't be the person I am. I wouldn't be able to cook, I used to hate computers and no way would I have a job!'

Look at him now! Congratulations, Brandon!

[Brandon has the eye condition Septo-optic Dysplasia, and has light perception in his right eye only. During his time at RNC he studied: Audio Media Production, Braille, Business, English Literature and IT.]