Ian's Story- Pave Your Way

Ian was referred to the Action for Children Employability Fund Stage 4 Programme, Pave Your Way in October 2015 by his jobcentre advisor. Ian was interviewed by the Action for Children staff and was assessed as having some barriers to employment but he was ready to work with some support.

Barriers to Employment

 When Ian was referred to Action For Children he was long term unemployed.  He lacked confidence and was diagnosed with Dyslexia.

What we did

Ian completed the training period and passed various industry related qualifications including CSCS, Manual Handling and Vehicle Reverse Marshalling.

Ian then started a two week work trial with Mulholland Contracts Ltd learning groundwork. Ian had never worked in the Construction Industry before but was happy to give groundwork a try. Ian’s initiative and work pace were highlighted by his foreman during Action for Children site visits and this is something that his Key Worker helped to address by suggesting he asks more questions when he is unsure about something and asks for more tasks once he has completed a task. 

The foreman at Mulholland Contracts Ltd was very understanding and supported Ian’s progress as he could see that Ian may take some time to develop these skills and fully understand his role at Mulholland Contracts Ltd.  Due to time highlighted issues throughout Ian’s work trial his employer extended this by one week to give him more time to prove he could develop his skills and get a better understanding of his role.

Happy in the workplace

Ian’s progress was better during his extension of his work trial and he was beginning to have a better understanding of his role and ask questions when he was unsure of something. Ian was offered employment at the end of this extension and has been employed with Mulholland Contracts Ltd for 3 years. Ian has gained further qualifications through his employer including Roller, Dumber and abrasive wheels tickets and is now a skilled labourer in groundwork.

Comment from Ian about Action for children:

" Very understanding, good to work along with"

Comment from Ian about Mulholland Contracts Ltd:

" Kept me out of trouble"