European Social Fund in England
2007 - 2013
'I have achieved my dream job'
Blaine had experienced an unsettled early life moving from Plymouth to the Falkland Islands, then to Brighton before moving back to Plymouth. However, the joint efforts of three Plymouth based projects supported by the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) through the European Social Fund (ESF) have created a positive new future for him.
At the age of 19 he had been supported through plastering and bricklaying
qualifications by Shekinah Mission and was living in sheltered accommodation
at Plymouth Foyer. The Foyer referred Blaine to Working Links where his
personal adviser, Jade Willis, realised he was a perfect candidate for the
Devon Skills for Jobs project.
Together they discussed his personal skills and aspirations and Blaine explained
that his dream was to work in healthcare. Through the project they worked
on his CV and enrolled him on the NHS Professionals Routeway Plan, which
offers a basic healthcare qualification.
'Blaine has been such a success,' said Jade. 'Once he had been referred to us I supported him through his coursework and clinical days on the Routeway Plan and he was offered a job at Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, the day after he completed his course.'
'My life has changed completely,' said Blaine. 'I have achieved my dream job and now have my own flat and independence. I can stand on my own two feet and it's all thanks to the support and guidance of Working Links with Plymouth Foyer and Shekinah Mission.
'I'm working as an agency healthcare assistant at Derriford Hospital at the moment so my next step will be to make that job permanent and then I'd like to do the Access to Nursing Course because my long term goal is to become a nurse.'
Mark Williams, South West LSC ESF Director, explained that partnerships working together was key to successfully breaking down people's barriers to employment and a successful future.
He said: 'Blaine's story has been a great partnership effort. The providers have worked together and successfully turned this young man's life around.'
Project information (August 2009)
The Devon Skills for Jobs project is co-financed by the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) and European Social Fund (ESF) and has been awarded £1.5million. The project runs from June 2008 to December 2010