Richard Cole was a Year 11 student at Sneyd School when he was put forward for inclusion in the 'Smart Choices Plus' project funded by New Deal for Communities and delivered by Walsall EBP. The project supports young people to make the transition from school into work or training.

Initially, Richard was unsure of himself but he settled quickly and was keen to develop his employability skills so that he could get a job in construction when he left school. With the help of Carole Hands (Walsall EBP) he successfully gained a place on a construction project, again funded by New Deal and delivered in partnership with Walsall Housing Group. Here his attendance, timekeeping and motivation were excellent and he made significant progress with his key skills and other learning. Whilst on placement he impressed the company so much that he was offered a Modern Apprenticeship and he is now working full time with G Purchase Construction in Bloxwich.

He was successfully nominated by Walsall EBP, for the "Learning towards Employment" award at the Walsall Lifelong Learning Awards held at the Bescot Stadium and he is pictured receiving his award from TV personality Ben Fogle.