A selfless A Level student from Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College (QE), Darlington, who spearheaded a positive mental health campaign has secured a prestigious software engineering apprenticeship. 18-year-old Adiy Ahmed, from Stockton-on-Tees will take up his new role with global IT giant, Accenture, in September. ‘I’m nervous, but also really excited to start with Accenture’, Adiy says. ‘It will be a huge change, going from studying for my A Levels to working full time, however, I’m looking forward to getting stuck in with the project designs’. Lydia Elliott, Job Coach at QE, adds: ‘It is a testament to Adiy’s hard work and dedication that he has obtained a highly sought-after apprenticeship with Accenture. The selection process was incredibly intense and involved group work, a presentation and several interviews. We are absolutely delighted for Adiy and wish him every success for the future’.
In June, Adiy, a former student of Ian Ramsey CofE Academy in Stockton-on-Tees, received QE’s Volunteer of the Year award at the College’s annual Volunteering Awards following his inspirational charity work. Amidst a hugely challenging situation of supporting his best friend, who struggled severely with his mental health and attempted suicide, Adiy helped to establish I’m George’s Mate in 2023. The registered charity, which has received auction donations from Sir. Mo Farah and George Ezra, aims to support men with their mental health and increase awareness surrounding suicide. ‘Our main goal is to provide young men with the tools so that nobody finds themselves in George’s situation’, Adiy explains. ‘We hope to introduce a buddy system in schools and make lessons about suicide awareness compulsory’. Adiy’s efforts have seen him travel to the Houses of Parliament to deliver a speech on the charity’s campaign and he has organised countless events to raise funds, on top of studying for his A Levels.
Looking back on his time at QE, Adiy concludes: ‘The College picked me up when I was at my lowest following George’s suicide attempt and gave me the strength to channel my sadness into something positive. I will forever be grateful to them’.
Principal Laurence Job, comments, ‘Everyone at QE is incredibly proud of all of Adiy’s achievements. He is an exceptionally talented and compassionate young man. We wish him every success for the future.’
Your next opportunity to support I’m George’s Mate will be Saturday 31st August 2024 with a football match at Green Lane in Barnard Castle. There will be an ice cream van and cupcake sale with all money raised going towards the charity’s continued efforts to help young men who may be struggling with their mental health.
