Turning creativity into opportunity
When Jahmari joined Connect to Work, he was unsure whether employment was right for him. Having never worked before, he wanted to explore his options with the right support.
Through vocational profiling, Jahmari worked with his Employment Specialist to identify his strengths and interests. His creativity stood out, with a passion for drawing and a goal of one day selling his artwork.
He was supported to take part in KataKata's 3rd SEND Festival, where he created five original pieces to sell. Although he was nervous about how people would respond to his work, Jahmari took the opportunity to showcase his creativity in a safe and inclusive environment.
His confidence quickly grew after making his first sale. Jahmari said: “I'm happy and I know that I can do this.”
By the end of the event, Jahmari had sold multiple pieces and made £260. He plans to use some of the money towards a new phone and reinvest in art resources.
The experience has encouraged Jahmari to continue selling his artwork, attend more events and build his profile, while exploring self-employment as a future employment pathway.
His mum, Katrina, said: “I am so proud of him and that he found confidence in his paintings, for confronting his nerves and doing his very best!”
Jahmari's story shows how personalised support and the right opportunities can help people recognise their strengths, build confidence and take positive steps towards their future.
Whether you’re looking for work, returning after a break or planning your next career step, Connect to Work