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Gaining Volunteer Experience and Qualifications.

Thomas was originally referred to CEIS Ayrshire in 2018. Thomas had not been in full time employment since 2009. Despite working on a seasonal contract each year with a charity company. He had been a delivery driver for 20 years and was struggling to find full time employment.

We referred Thomas to The Ayrshire Community Trust for the Positive Steps course to help his confidence. He undertook volunteer training and went on to complete further training. He became an active volunteer with the Scottish Fire and Rescue with the Community Action Team.

At the beginning of 2019 we referred Thomas for the Kilwinning Sports Club Ground Maintenance course. He completed the course and gained 5 accredited ground maintenance qualifications. In March Thomas had an interview with a ground maintenance company but unfortunately was unsuccessful. He also had an interview with North Ayrshire Council Streetscene but was again, unsuccessful at interview.

In early 2020 Thomas took up a new volunteering placement. This was 2 days a week at the Eglinton Community Garden project, helping to run and take care of the site. He also had the responsibility of being a keyholder and for overseeing the health and safety on site for new volunteers. The range of duties Thomas performed included building storage for soil or compost. He was also the First Aider for the project whilst he was there.

Employment Training and Application Support.

In May 2022 Thomas was referred back to CEIS Ayrshire for our 25+ Hub Group. He attended the group sessions in our Irvine office for the 4-week period. Thomas engaged in group employability workshops and undertook further accredited training including First Aid. Following the Hub group, we put Thomas`s CV forward to 2 third Sector companies who had vacancies through the Long-Term Unemployed scheme. Unfortunately, Thomas was unsuccessful with both.

In August this year we discussed the North Ayrshire Skills for Life programme. Thomas was keen to apply for the Environmental Operative position. We assisted him with the application process, and he was offered an interview. As this was on-line, we assisted Thomas with accepting the on-line invite as well as setting up IT equipment in the office for the day of his interview. Thomas was successful and was offered the 6 months paid placement. He has recently completed the 7 relevant on-line training courses with some help from his CEIS Ayrshire Key Workers and colleagues. Thomas has now started the placement and is thankful for the support he has received.

Comments From Thomas.

“I gained interview skills and skills for work”

“I was supported well by my advisor throughout my programme”

“Thank you for all your help”