It's working out for Amy

Mar 17 2008

A YOUNG mum who has been successfully juggling looking after her baby son and going back to college has been shortlisted for a prestigious award.

Amy Russell joined Solihull College's Route to Work programme in October and has been nominated in the best overall adult achiever in the 19 plus category in the Learning and Skills Council and European Social Fund Stars for Skills Awards.

The 21-year-old, who lives in the Chelmsley Wood, left school aged 16 with few qualifications but is now focusing on a career in the retail world after enrolling at the college while also caring for her eight-month-old son, Louis.

She was nominated for the award by Carrie Smith, the college's director of work force development who praised Amy for her hard work.

"She has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to returning to learning and, despite initially lacking confidence, has worked really hard to achieve her dream of a career in retail," she said.

Amy said she is delighted to have been nominated for the award.

"Route to Work at the college has transformed things for me," she said.