'Inspirational' apprentice lands full-time job at Manor Green school

An ‘inspirational’ apprentice has landed a full-time job at her former school.

Teachers and pupils at Manor Green School held a special assembly on Wednesday (yesterday) to honour the achievements of former pupil Tegan Duncan, 19, from Windsor, who has returned as a full-time assistant.

Tegan, who is deaf and has learning difficulties and physical disabilities, was all smiles as she talked about her new career.

“I really love the job. I always wanted to do something working with people so I did a Health and Social Care qualification in my apprenticeship,” she said.

“My favourite thing about the job is working with the children.”

Tegan took part in the borough’s ‘Ways into Work’ programme before choosing what she wanted to study. 

The programme helps students with learning difficulties or physical disabilities to overcome barriers into employment.

Debbie Burnett, job coach with Ways into Work, who is based in the school, said: “I work with sixth-formers to help them decide what they would want to do when they leave school and overcome any obstacles they may face.

“People with disabilities often face barriers when trying to get into employment so it is a really vital service.

“We can even help with training the young people on how to get to work safely. For instance, Tegan now travels to work on the bus.

“Tegan always knew she wanted to work with people and so this job is just perfect for her.”

Tegan took a one-year apprenticeship with Dynamic Training, learning and development specialists based in High Wycombe, last year, and earned a Level 2 in Health and Social Care.

She was offered the job at Manor Green, in Elizabeth Hawkes Way, Cox Green, in May.

Headteacher Ania Hildrey said: “I remember Tegan from my very first day here and she was a very shy young girl at first but we worked with her to improve her confidence, self esteem.

“Now I am honoured to be able to welcome her back as part of my full- time team.

“I am very proud of her and she is a brilliant addition to our team.

“Tegan has worked really hard and her achievements have inspired us to take on a further three apprentices in the next academic year,” she added.