When Kate commenced her study at the Karten CTEC Centre at Portland College she pursued the Business Administration programme although her initial interests were in installation and networking. Despite having hemiplegia, she studied very hard and achieved “Microsoft Office Specialist Master” status gaining knowledge and skills at expert level.
With determination, whilst paying attention to a high level of accuracy and using only a one-handed keyboard, she carefully prepared for and gained competence in Text Processing of business documentation, which led to achievement of the distinction grade at Level 2 with no extra time granted.
During her training at Portland College Kate also developed personal experience and practical skills in administration and customer service when helping with tasks and duties on main reception. Kate’s increasing confidence has driven her to provide voluntarily the main reception’s cover on many occasions. At the same time she was able to demonstrate the ability for working independently.
Kate’s very good organisation skills had also a significant impact on providing live work to other members of staff across many departments at Portland College. Her mature and responsible approach has been evident each time she had to leave the training room. Kate made sure her desk looked tidy and that things were always left in a neat manner at the end of each college day.
During the training period at Portland College Kate became a self-motivated person, who set herself high personal standards of performance and achievement. She has completed her training with two external work placements, where even further she has grown in confidence personally and professionally. As well as being able to demonstrate her commitment she has proven to be a conscientious and talented young woman, who continually strives for more and as the effect of this Kate has secured herself a place to study towards degree level in Social Sciences in September.