John Meakin is celebrating turning his life around, going from an unemployed plumbing apprentice to a fully qualified outdoor pursuit instructor employed by BF Adventure near Penryn.

John, who lives at Praa Sands, was unemployed for eight months after losing a plumbing apprenticeship. Then, back in 2012 he was he was referred to the Phoenix Works project by Penzance Jobcentre.

At that point, he was suffering from a lack of self confidence which affected his motivation in looking for a job. Phoenix helped John re-establish his confidence and while on the course he was given the chance to volunteer with BF Adventure. Although it was a 50 mile round trip on his moped, John attended in all weathers and completed the placement.

He impressed the instructors at BF Adventure so much that he was offered an apprenticeship which he completed and is now employed by BF Adventure as a fully qualified instructor. He is also acting as a role model to encourage and support others.

John said: “The Phoenix Project staff are great people who unconditionally helped me to achieve and enhance the skills that I needed to gain employment and without whom I would not be working as an outdoor instructor today.

“Also BF Adventure's P2A course and instruction team helped me realise my passion for working in the outdoor pursuits industry, and built on the skills, knowledge, and confidence that I needed to become a trainee instructor. I now enjoy every working day whatever the weather, whilst helping to make a positive impact on the lives of others."

BF Adventure centre manager Tony Baker said: "John, along with two other apprentices injected real energy into their training and development during their 12 month apprenticeship and worked incredibly hard.

“John picked up things very quickly and in no time became a very capable outdoor pursuits instructor consistently receiving praise and positive feedback from clients and staff. I am very proud of his achievements and welcome him as part of our professional team."

Carolyn Norton, manager at Penzance Jobcentre, added: “Everyone at Penzance Jobcentre is very proud of John. His story is a great example of what can happen as a result of getting the right support in the right place at the right time. Our work coaches and advisers help people to get themselves back to work every day and there is a lot of additional support available to help people along that journey.”