"I've always loved art but I never thought I'd be able to make a career of it. I'd been unemployed since leaving school at 16 and was placed with training and employment provider A4e Wales in Newtown.

A4e worked with me to help find me job I would enjoy. I was placed on the 'New Deal' course, which is a government-sponsored programme designed to equip unemployed people with the skills to find work.

A4e really took my interests on board. I was always drawing when I was visiting the offices and the staff loved to encourage my work. They put me in touch with illustrators and publishers and helped me apply for placements to get some experience under my belt.

I got a fantastic placement with the Radnorshire Wildlife Trust, drawing pictures and sketches to help children on wildlife trails to find what they were looking for.

Jo Harris, my personal adviser at A4e wanted to help me find a career path that would suit me but get the additional skills I needed to realise my dream.

Jo arranged for me to attend a two-day course about how to be self-employed and arranged for me to meet business advisers to help put together a business plan. A4e even arranged for John Doyle, the animator behind Dangermouse, Count Duckula, Foxbusters and the Doctor Who cartoons, to view my drawings and he then offer some sound advice about becoming an illustrator.

Having John Doyle compliment my work was amazing. He said he was impressed and encouraged me to stick at it and grab as many opportunities as I could. I've now set myself up as a freelance illustrator, running my own business.

It's a great feeling to be your own boss, doing what you love every day. I'm still working for Radnorshire Wildlife Trust and I've already started to build my client list. I'm starting work with Mid Wales Food and Health soon and I can't wait for the next challenge."

Article by Matthew Davies

A4e Wales works in partnership with the Welsh Assembly, Government Department of Lifelong Learning and Skills (DCELLS), Jobcentre Plus and other training providers and local employers to help its customers in Wales gain new skills and get a job. For help, advice and support, please call your local A4e office or visit our website listed on the right of this page.