Clarke's Story- Youthbuild

Clarke was referred to Action for Children by Citadel Youth Centre in 2015. Clarke did not have a great experience at school, lacked qualifications and was finding it hard gaining employment. Clarke started Action for Children’s Youthbuild programme in May 2015.

Barriers to Employment

Clarke was referred to Action for Children by Citadel Youth Centre in 2015. Clarke did not have a great experience at school, lacked qualifications and was finding it hard gaining employment.

What we did

Clarke started Action for Children’s Youthbuild programme in May 2015 and achieved qualifications in CSCS, Abrasive wheels, vehicle reverse marshalling, PASMA, UKATA Asbestos Awareness, Manual Handling and First Aid. Clarke kept busy and attended the course every day. Clarke started a 4-week work trial with Viewforth Glazing.

Clarke’s key worker received great feedback while Clarke was on work trial with regards to attitude and timekeeping however it was highlighted that Clarke lacked confidence therefore he was not very proactive and found it hard interacting with his colleagues.

Clarke’s Key Worker continued to encourage Clarke to remember tasks and pro-actively do them without being asked. His key worker also explained that Clarke should ask his colleague questions if he is unsure or ask him to check if what he is doing is right until he becomes more confident. His key worker also explained to his colleague that Clarke would like to ask for his work to be checked from time to time until he gains more confidence as he does not want to get things wrong. His colleague was happy to offer this support to Clarke to help build his confidence.

Happy in the workplace

Clarke successfully completed his work trial and was offered employment with Viewforth Glazing. Clarke has now been employed for two and a half years and is still enjoying his role.

Clarke’s comment about Action for Children:

" Youthbuild helped my confidence and helped me get certificates"

Clarke’s comment about Viewforth Glazing :

" Get on well with all work mates, good feel about the company, good at teaching you new things"