Case Study - Gary
When I was about to leave school, I was unsure about what I wanted to do after leaving, I had a career appointment with SDS they suggested that the Skills Training Programme (STP) would be a good stepping stone for me. I applied to STP attended interview and gained a place on STP.
During his time in STP I completed various personal development and employability training which built up my knowledge around compiling a CV, completing application forms, interview techniques and support with mock interviews helped me become more confident speaking to new people.
On STP programme I went on a work placement within West Lothian Council in Customer Service based in the Fauldhouse Partnership Centre. I feel this helped boost my confidence and help him to be able to speak to more people, before STP I was very shy and quiet.
I really enjoyed my work placement and I was excited to hear that there was an opportunity to apply for Modern Apprenticeship as a Customer Service Assistant based in Fauldhouse Partnership Centre. STP helped me apply and I was successful in gaining this apprenticeship, during my time on apprenticeship I gained qualifications I completed SVQ 2 Customer Service, First Aid & Book Bugs Training. I earned whilst I learned and I continued to increase my confidence and work skills.
My apprenticeship came to an end in January 2021 right in the middle of COVID19. I found it difficult to find employment due to COVID disruptions and found myself unemployed due to this. I got help from an Employment Adviser within Access2employment who helped me with my CV, applying for jobs and interview preparation. This support helped me to gain a full-time position as a Trainee Administration Assistant in West Lothian Council. I started off within the Kickstart Programme and progressed to my current job role, I was enabled to do this by being supported through Youth Guarantee Funding.
Part of this role I have been doing an SVQ Level 2 Business and Administration and completed lots other great training such as marketing training on Canva & First Aid. I am also able to apply for internal jobs in West Lothian Council, build my skills, experience and work in a job I really enjoy doing.
The ongoing support I have received from a mix of different service's STP, Access2Employment has supported me to move onto my next steps and achieve my career goals. Without this support I would have not achieved all that I have done so far such as gaining further qualifications, more experience and continuingly building my confidence.