Passion led Haverfordwest teen Andy Arnold to dream career

16-year-old Andy Arnold from Haverfordwest began mapping out his future, but his journey was about more than simply choosing a job.

Born with a heart condition, Andy underwent multiple surgeries in childhood and was often unable to participate in many sports.

Despite these early challenges, he developed a passion for fitness as he got older, transforming what once felt like a limitation into a source of motivation.

Andy said: "I fell in love with fitness.

"Going to the gym has helped build my confidence, and I want to help other young people feel the same."

Unsure how to turn his passion into a career, Andy sought support from Careers Wales after seeing information shared at school.

With the help of careers adviser Toni-Jo Stables, he explored various options including roles in the police, fire service, and the fitness industry.

Andy said: "Before I went for support, I was scared about my future. I felt lost and didn’t know what I was going to do after school.

"I was doing police cadets at the time and thought that was the right route for me. But after training for months, I realised what I really enjoyed was helping people."

Andy and Ms Stables looked at his strengths in communication, leadership and teamwork and matched these to potential career paths.

The process helped him realise that personal training was a natural fit.

He said: "When we looked at all the different roles, personal training just made sense.

"Fitness was always at the top for me. It combined everything I enjoy."

Andy has completed a BTEC in sport and plans to continue his studies in sixth form.

He has also found a two-week online personal training course, which he intends to take after his GCSEs.

He said: "Coming to Careers Wales has given me a goal. I know what I can achieve now.

"There are a lot of people who feel lost like I did. Just do it and go and see a careers adviser.

"It really helps to have someone guide you and show you the routes you can take."