Wanting to be more than just another lone parent on benefits Aisha Lambat set her goal and achieved it.

Aisha, 35 of Jemmett Street, re-entered education at Preston College after wanting to provide a positive role model for her son.

She had just lost her partner when her son was still a baby. With low self esteem and confidence and still grieving Aisha found herself with no skills. She'd quit university in her second year on finding out she was pregnant.

She said, "I felt that I had nothing to offer in the work arena. I felt demoralized and worthless. For the first time in my life I wanted to be good at something. To be more than: 'Jack of all trades and master of none'."

Having her son, Isaac, gave Aisha focus and with it strength and determination. She added, "When I had started my degree the first time I didn't have the hunger to learn. Having by son changed all that."

After a lot of hard work and one patient little boy Aisha finally gained her BA Graphic Design degree. However if Aisha was to get a job within the printing and origination industry she would have to further increase her skills.

She said, "I found that my lack of Apple Macintosh knowledge was a hindrance. I did not even know how to switch one on! I finished my degree but carried on perfecting my Apple Macintosh skills."

First she enrolled on a City and Guilds course 7261 in Desk Top Publishing at Preston College and then later returned to do a ten week course in three standard industrial packages.

Money was still a problem for Aisha so she approached the Job centre for funding, persuading them that by doing the latter course was the only way she could attain the formal training that she required to obtain the best possible chance of a job within the industry.

Her tutor at Preston College Business Services Ltd, Chris Eggleston, said: "Aisha's determination and drive to secure specialized training coupled with her willingness to learn and secure employment leaves me with nothing but admiration for her."