Pathway to Greatness
Zakk’s Journey – From Learner to Leader
Zakk, a young man with learning difficulties, faced uncertainty and disengagement after leaving college. Like many in similar circumstances, he struggled to find direction and was economically inactive. Still, he remained open to new opportunities.
His breakthrough came through the Open Doors Beyond Barriers project, where he joined Winnovation’s delivery of the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training in Learning Disabilities and Autism Awareness. This programme is aimed at health and social care professionals, includes co-delivery by people with lived experience, bringing authenticity to the training.
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Zakk joined as a participant with the potential to co-deliver. Over the three-day course, he showed exceptional engagement, developing key life and work skills such as independent travel, time management and research. His growing confidence was clear and his story brought depth and impact to the sessions.
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Impressed by his commitment and natural communication skills, Winnovation Training invited Zakk to complete further accredited training. He went on to achieve a Level 3 Certificate in Supporting and Working with Individuals with Learning Disabilities through a Skills Bootcamp.
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Now, Zakk is a valued co-trainer, delivering sessions across the North East to both professionals and jobseekers. His journey shows the transformative power of inclusive, person-centred opportunities. From a place of uncertainty, Zakk has become a role model, demonstrating that with the right support, learners can become leaders.
Kanvee’s Journey – Building Skills, Gaining Confidence and Starting a New Career
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Kanvee began her journey with Winnovation through a Multiply course, designed to build confidence with numbers in everyday life. From there, she progressed to our UKSPF Talent Pool and Pathways programme, where she earned a Level 1 Award in Introduction to Health, Social Care and Children and Young People’s Settings.
With growing confidence and ambition, Kanvee advanced to a Skills Bootcamp, completing a Level 3 Award in Supporting Individuals with Learning Disabilities. Throughout her time with us, she demonstrated strong dedication and a clear commitment to a future in care.
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Thanks to her hard work (and the guaranteed interview built into the programme) Kanvee successfully secured employment in the care sector shortly after completing her training.
We’re incredibly proud of Kanvee’s progress and wish her every success in her new role. Her journey highlights how accessible training and tailored support can open the door to meaningful, long-term employment.
“I thoroughly enjoyed the course and gained new skills and knowledge. The tutor was excellent and provided a great experience. Thank you, Winnovation Training, for everything!”
From Trainee to Top Talent - Jenni’s Early Years Success Story
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Jenni Parmely first came to us in August 2021 on a traineeship where she worked on her employability skills, confidence skills and went to a placement in a nursery. She worked through subjects on safeguarding, child development, working in early years and learning through play as well as her functional skills to better her prospects in successfully gaining employment in early years.
We were able to match her with Reena’s Childcare in Gosforth, and we followed her learning journey by enrolling Jenni onto an Early Years Practitioner Apprenticeship.
Jenni worked very hard and with the help of her tutor and her employer Jenni completed all aspects of her Apprenticeship Standard and received a distinction in her online assessment and a distinction in her professional discussion.
It was lovely to see Jenni flourish and develop into the amazing practitioner she is today!
Passion with Purpose - Louise’s Path to Excellence in Residential Care
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Louise Green works for Durham County Council as a Deputy Manager for a Children’s Residential Home. She was enrolled in October 2022. She worked through her Level 5 children, young people and Families Manager Apprenticeship Standard with some of the best assignment and research work we have ever seen at Winnovation.
Her end point assessor commented “Louise, you conducted your interview with confidence and really showcased your care and passion for your role in supporting your team and the YP in the homes across the county”
Louise received a distinction for her online assessment and for her professional discussion, she also received a distinction.
Her dedication to making a difference in Children’s services was great to see.