After being taken into foster care aged 12, Charlotte’s life began to take a serious turn for the worse. With an unsettled family life, she began drinking alcohol heavily, experimenting with drugs and was in trouble with the Police. She left school at 16, unemployed and with little hope for the future.
Charlotte was referred to the Alternative Academy run by Aberdeen Foyer, which supported her to make changes in her life. On her successful completion of the course, she was accepted on the 12 week Prince’s Trust Team run by Aberdeen Foyer.
Part of the course was a two week work placement which Charlotte undertook in painting and decorating at Foyer Works. Charlotte excelled at this and, after being accepted on a Get Ready for Work course, she undertook another placement solely on property maintenance jobs for Aberdeen City Council.
She displayed a positive attitude, perfect attendance and a great personality. Her prospects for the future were looking bright and Aberdeen Foyer organised a placement extension with a local painter and decorator.
The owner of the business was so impressed he decided to take Charlotte on as an Apprentice Painter and Decorator (recognised by the Scottish Apprentice Council).
Charlotte was supported by Aberdeen Foyer for two years, which enabled her to turn her life around. According to Charlotte: "The best things to happen to me were the Prince’s Trust and getting the placement with Foyer Works."