News
Supporting our Client with Searching for Work and Completing an Application for Ayrshire College
At the beginning of lockdown CEIS Ayrshire engaged with Mark a client from the Garnock who had been referred to us from the Jobcentre. The client has been on a methadone programme for several years and had been volunteering with 2 local groups which he attended on a regular basis, working outside on various local projects with the Men Shed and John Muir Award, for which recently received The Conserve Award from them.
Initially due to COVID19 restrictions 1 to 1 contact was restricted and due to his lack of IT access he was unable to attend online courses. However, contact was maintained on a regular basis via telephone with job searches being completed by CEIS Ayrshire for the client on these regular calls.
How We Helped
Our Key Worker Ian made a successful application to Connecting Scotland for a free Chromebook with 2-years free mobile data to do his own job searching. We also referred him to our Basic IT Skills Course to enhance his skills and enable him to access our online training, eLearning courses and to improve his confidence and CV.
The client’s preference for work is construction or gardening sectors and this was where our main job search focus was aimed, but frustration was setting in as many vacancies were looking for a driving license to get to work and start times were unsuitable due to public transport. Ian suggested that we look at attending college to gain a recognised qualification in these areas, which initially he wasn’t keen on but by working with him we explored the different qualification options available with Ayrshire college. Together we identified a 1 year Horticultural and Gardening SVQ being offered by Ayrshire college at their Kilmarnock Campus and completed an application for the course together.
Our client was offered an unconditional placement after his interview and is due to commence his course in August 2022. The client is “over the moon” about attending the course as he recognises that this course will provide him with a qualification that matches his ambitions. He also recognises the long journey he has been on recovering from drug addiction and managing his condition to enable him to gain employment.
Contact Us
If you live in North Ayrshire and need help looking for a job or support with employability skills and training, then please get in touch