Jamie Nicoll: Employability Course to Support Worker

Jamie came on to our Employability Programme when he left school because he was keen to start work straight away, however having suffered with anxiety he had lost a bit of confidence. He felt like the Employability course was the perfect stepping stone to employment because it offered a really relaxed environment where he could learn more about his chosen sector, and also build up his confidence before going out into the world of work.

Jamie talks to us about his journey from Employability to Support Worker at Mochridhe in Glasgow and we explore why he chose Employability over College and how his tutors supported him on his journey into a life-long, rewarding career.

George Monteith: Nazareth House

When George started with us on the employability programme he was naturally nervous and didn't know what to expect after being in a manual labouring job for over 40 years. His adviser at the Job Centre referred him to l&g learning as George decided he wanted a change in career after working in the same type of job since leaving school.

George was in a group with people of all ages and backgrounds and explained to us that he found this extremely refreshing and helpful for his progression on the course. George was a very hardworking and dedicated student who motivated the group during discussions and group work.

George was nervous when doing some of the work as he had never really used computers before but with support from tutors and the other students he improved his skills whilst being here. He said that the course not only helped to develop up to date employability skills, but also allowed him to work with a diverse range of people. George explained that the interview and CV sessions helped him to gain the job he progressed into and he now works happily as a groundskeeper in a local care home.

George has kept in contact with us since and is enjoying his new career.

Andrea Rushbury: Stobhill Care Home

Andrea was an extremely hardworking and dedicated student who came onto the course with a wealth of experience in retail but was seeking employment in the adult care sector with personal experience of caring for family members. Andrea progressed well on placement and was able to try different roles within the care home including; a care assistant, kitchen staff, domestic and laundry assistant. Whilst shadowing some of the laundry staff she found that’s where her skills were best put to use after explaining to the staff she found the kitchen too fast pace. The care home were supportive of this and suggested she completed the last few weeks of placement in the laundry room. This was good for her as she still got to interact with the residents as well as working in the laundry role. The staff praised Andrea’s work ethic and dedication to her placement. By the end of her placement she was offered a job. Andrea is still working in this position and keeps in contact with us to let us know how much she is enjoying the job.

Megan Wright: College NQ Events

What should future learners expect?

“lots of fun while on the course. It is very easy to fit in and it is a very comfortable and happy environment. There is never a boring day at L&G Learning… unless there’s lots of paperwork involved.”

What was your biggest challenge?

“My biggest challenge was starting placement as I didn’t have any experience in the working environment before. But all staff helped keep me motivated to continue and also helped me come up with different ideas for activities at the workplace.”

What was your favourite part of the course and why?

“My favourite part of the course was the team building skills so we could all get to know one another better.”

What are you doing now?

“Since leaving L&G Learning I have recently started college studying NQ Events. L&G Learning helped me to write my personal statement for the application which was really helpful.”

Erin Wotherspoon: Victoria Park Kindergarten

Erin had known from a young age that she wanted to work with children and would do anything to make this dream a reality. When Erin left school she struggled to make that transition from school leaver to working life, as a lot of young people can relate to. When asked what her biggest challenge was, she answered, “Almost walking out the centre and my attitude. I feel like I matured a lot on the course and it helped get into a MA”. Andrew commented that “Erin is an excellent example of a young person who has made mistakes but did not run away and is now reaping the benefits from learning from these experiences”.

Erin worked hard to complete the Certificate of Work Readiness during her time at L&G Learning and she received glowing reports from staff, children and parents at the nursery. This demonstrated to training providers that she can study to SCQF level 4 and is job ready. Erin is now well on her way to completing a SVQ in Children’s Care Learning & Development and is an integral part of the team at Victoria Park Kindergarten.

Lauren Smith: Progressed to Stage 4

Why did you join L&G Learning?

“I came to L&G Learning to build my confidence in finding a job & to help me figure out what I wanted to do.”

What should future learners expect?

“Future learners should expect to be welcomed by friendly people who care about their futures & help build their confidence in work. They should expect to have fun while learning but that they also need to be serious about work too.”

What was your biggest challenge?

“My biggest challenge was getting enough confidence to work in a group & go for interviews.”

What is your favourite memory of L&G Learning?

“My favourite memory of L&G Learning was the morning/wakeup quizzes with Richard! Making new friends & staying in touch with them was good too.”

What are you doing now?

“Right now I’m working for Tesco.”

Caitlin McGeachy: Reardon’s Pool/Snooker Hall

“L&G Learning helped me greatly as they helped me gain experience within this area of work. I met a group of amazing people plus got great support the whole way through training within and out the centre. I’m more confident and bubblier than ever plus it’s all down to the crazy, amazing staff within L&G! Glad I was part of the experience and couldn’t have asked for better people to share the experience around!"

Angelica Lambert: L&G Learning

“I came on L&G’s Stage 3 Employability Fund course to learn and gain work experience within the hospitality sector. Through-out my time in the training centre I learned various skills, such as: learning how to write a professional eye catching CV, how to effectively address customer complaints, how to work appropriately within a team & cope with situations I wouldn’t normally be in. I had originally planned to do my weeks of work experience within a hotel and to work in front of house but I got given the chance to do my work experience within L&G, doing reception and admin. I did this and really enjoyed it, I was quite surprised that I did because I would never have seen myself enjoying the admin side. At the end of my experience I was lucky enough to be offered employment and I am now not only working here but also doing a modern apprenticeship in Digital Media and enjoying this too!”

Shaunie McKelvie: Bright Beginnings Nursery

Shaunie came to L&G Learning with a real passion to work in the childcare sector. She left school with little qualifications and knew she would have to work extremely hard to gain employment in this area. Shaunie started a work placement in Bright Beginnings Nursery where she struggled at first to cope with the long hours and studying but she kept going and her hard work paid off. She complete childcare qualifications and improved her core skills with L&G Learning which helped her application to modern apprenticeship providers. Shaunie is now well on her way to completing an SVQ in Early Education.

Jamie Fay: Jordanhill Care Home

Jamie started out at L&G Learning wanting to work as a chef within a well established restaurant but knew that first of all he would have to gain experience as a kitchen assistant. He started at Jordanhill Care Home within the kitchen to gain this experience and quickly found his feet and was given the responsibility of cooking a meal for the restaurants within the first month of placement. The manager was so impressed with the hard work and dedication that Jamie demonstrated she created a position for Jamie within the kitchen. Jamie has now completed his SVQ level 2 and is currently studying SVQ level 3.

Christina McCann: Hyde ‘n’ Seek Nursery – Templeton

Christina has recently progressed from the Employability Fund into a job with Hyde ‘n’ Seek Nursery at Templeton where she has received excellent feedback from staff, children and parents. One month into the job and Christina has been voted Employee of the Month, well done Christina!

Beth Fearon: Mayfield Nursery

Beth left school with very little qualifications and was unsuccessful in finding a modern apprenticeship provider that would give her the chance to show her ability within a nursery. After speaking to her careers advisor she was referred onto the Employability Fund programme. She successfully completed a work placement and was offered a position within Mayfield nursery. Beth received glowing reports from her manager who said that “She is the best worker I have ever had”. Since then Beth was nominated for the ‘Employability Achiever of the Year’ award at the STF annual conference in 2014 which she went on to win! This was the first year that learners were being recognised for their success on the Employability programme.

Lachlan Thom: Rogano

Lachlan progressed from L&G Learning’s ‘Get ready for work’ programme in 2013. He began his work placement as a trainee waiter within Rogano over the busiest time of the year and proved himself to the employer that he can meet the demands of the hospitality sector. He has since been promoted to head waiter within the company after only one year of employment.