I’ve got a real positive feeling about this. I’ve already got some engineering experience, but with my new skills, I have the opportunity of a new life.
When I was a kid, my dad was always working on tractors. And I was into fixing things. I find all the mechanics fascinating. As a young lad, I did a welding apprenticeship and worked as a coded fabricator for decades, but I’ve always thought about mechanics.
7 years ago, I split with my partner and slipped into a state of depression. I started to meet the wrong people. I was vulnerable and next thing I know, I'm using drugs. I could no longer make it to work and I lost my flat. What was the turning point? I went to a Christian rehab. I started to believe I could have a better life. Now, I’m free of drugs, free of alcohol and can live my life freely.
My motivation is seeing my kids. They are at an age now where it’s important I can be in their life. Being able to have holidays with them will be really nice.
I’ve visited the college and the instructors thought it was cool that I want to re-train. Hopefully, my welding experience can benefit some of the younger students too. I love trucks, so getting a job in a Heavy Goods Vehicles mechanics workshop is my goal. I feel good things are to come and I can be successful again.
For personal reasons William has chosen to use a pseudonym rather than his real name.