Building a Business: Chloe Westgarth’s Story

Nineteen-year-old Chloe Westgarth joined Itec’s Jobs Growth Wales+ program feeling uncertain and lacking confidence about her future. She was hesitant to attend mainstream college or choose a career path without exploration. Fortunately, the supportive staff at Itec’s Cardiff centre offered reassurance and guided her toward opportunities to explore her interests while pursuing a Customer Service QCF Level 1 qualification to equip her with workplace skills.

Chloe embarked on her journey with Itec by taking a placement as a nursery practitioner at Meadow Lane primary school, allowing her to experience a new environment and narrow down her options. Eventually, she discovered her passion for working with people in a different setting and actively pursued customer service roles.

Through her determination, Chloe recently excelled in the Customer Service competition for Skills Competition Wales in St David’s, showcasing her exceptional ability to engage with customers both in person and digitally, which significantly boosted her confidence.

Now, Chloe has received a £2000 grant from Big Ideas Wales to kickstart her own business as a Lash Technician, and she is already ensuring its success. Her next steps include completing a placement at Grech Gooden Cormack Solicitors to further develop her skills, as well as obtaining qualifications such as, Employability Skills QCF, AAT Level 1, and a lash technician qualification. The grant has enabled Chloe to take the first step toward her dream career, and she is seizing every opportunity to become fully qualified to run her business.

Thanks to the Jobs Growth Wales+ programme by Itec, Chloe has polished her communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills, making her an ideal candidate for entrepreneurial success. The programme aims to help young people like Chloe discover their dream careers and realise their full potential. Here’s what Chloe has to say about her experience:  “Joining Itec gave me the opportunity to discover my career options. I was able to gain qualifications and work experience that has given me a positive outlook of my future and has helped my confidence grow. I have also made new friends that I will stay in contact with for life.”