A TRANENT teenager who gained two qualifications in the same day during the Covid-19 lockdown is now looking forward to pursuing a career working with animals.

Chloe English, 17, successfully completed two accredited assessments in Animal Care ‘remotely’ and is now hoping to go to college to further her studies.

For a long time, she did not feel comfortable at school, as she felt “overwhelmed” when she was around people.

It was only when she went to to see a counsellor that she discovered her stress was caused by anxiety, which proved a turning point for her.

After being diagnosed with anxiety, she was able to be referred for appropriate support and started using the services of both East Lothian Works, the county’s employability and business advice centre, and Musselburgh-based Bridges Project for young people, and has not looked back since.

As she is interested in animals, Chloe decided to undertake the Animal Course training programme offered by the Bridges Project.

This aims to give young people social skills while increasing their knowledge of animals and obtaining a certificate for their CV.

Since starting with Bridges Project in the middle of last year, she has now completed three units of Animal Care.

The fact that Chloe completed both the Health and Safety unit and Feeding and Watering unit in one day remotely on her own during lockdown has impressed her tutor, Susan Kerr.

Ms Kerr said: “It is very impressive. This proves that Chloe can manage her workload on her own and keep good routines.

“She has been a joy to work with.”

Chloe is also very pleased with her achievements and claims that the lockdown actually made it easier for her to work on her assessments.

She said: “It is quite relaxing to study during lockdown.

“I have been able to do things at my own pace and it has given me something positive to focus on which can help me move towards my future,” she added.

In addition to her Animal Care units, the former Ross High School student has also completed a self-evaluation course.

Through these courses, she says she has met new friends and been able to talk to people she wouldn’t have talked to before.

She said: “Bridges Project has helped me become more confident, especially when talking in front of other people and when expressing what I want to say.”

Ms Kerr added: “East Lothian Works and her counsellor have helped Chloe a lot, and done a great job.”

East Lothian Works has also organised for Chloe to volunteer in Oxfam’s Haddington shop. This has been another good experience which has given the teenager more responsibility and an insight into the retail world.

Even though she has been enjoying her volunteering experience, Chloe still hopes that she can continue to work with animals in the future. She already takes care of her dogs, and also has a rabbit.

Ms Kerr said: “Chloe is absolutely devoted to her rabbit and it must have a lovely time with her. She is very caring and loves animals.”

The teenager is now hoping to study something related to animals at college in the near future.

“I believe I will be nervous going to college but it will be much more enjoyable than it would have been before. I know I can do it now,” she added.