Aquar's Story

Aquar is a young man aged 17 who has presented various barriers to employment due to his lack of confidence and poor self-esteem. He struggled to sustain his mainstream education placement which had a negative impact on him being able to achieve any formal qualifications.

Barriers to employment

Aquar was referred to the Skills Programme in July 2017. Aquar struggled with a lack of confidence and poor self-esteem and this was a barrier in trying to gain him any employment or training. Aquar isolate himself from peers because he was being targeted due to his race and ethnicity he in turn failed to complete his education. His lack of confidence led him to anxious even travelling around his community independently, however after initial contacts with the Skills Team, Aquar appears to be more open and confident. He had expressed to Skills staff that he has a passion for cooking, and he would like he opportunity to work in front of house in a hotel or restaurant.

 

What we did

Aquar was matched with a Young Person's Practitioner to support him on a 'Needs led Basis' to allow him to develop his skills and confidence to get him into the world of work. Aquar was supported around 2 contacts a week with an aim to support him moving around independently, suing bus routes to help familiarise him with getting ' to and from' destinations.

Aquar was identified for and completed CV workshops, Interview Techniques and Employer Expectation sessions. Staff applied for and were successful in their application for a Teir 2 Barclay's Best Foot Forward Grant to purchase suitable clothing for his interview with added funds to purchase additional clothing which would benefit him when he secures a job/ placement.

Outcome from the Hi- Hospitality Programme: Aquar gained the following certificates;

* SQA Level 4 Certificate for Work Readiness

* HABC Level 2 Certificate in Customer Service

* HABC Level 2 Award in Food Safety in Catering.

* Principles of Professional Bartending & Hospitality Service Skills

* Food and Provenance & Production

* Trial Restaurant

* 10 Week Work Placement

 

Happy in workplace

Aquar has recently turned 17 with his birthday being celebrated with his new colleagues in his work placement at the Busby Hotel in Glasgow. Feedback from the staff highlight the transition Aquar has sustained over a relatively short period of time. Aquar feels included and part of the team and has now been offered a Modern Apprenticeship to begin his career in the hospitality industry.