Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council

IAG Case Studies

Harvey
Harvey has special needs and is currently working at Remploy, but Remploy is threatened with closure. Harvey's support worker contacted us to see if we could do an IAG session with him. This was arranged and options were discussed including re training for a new career. Harvey is interested in keeping fit and enjoys working out at the gym. He would like to become a Security Guard but feels he would struggle with the course and exams. Information was provided on the BIIAB Door Supervisors course and details of what this entailed. It was arranged that Harvey do a skills assessment and have chance to talk to the tutor prior to enrolment on the course. Having done the skills assessment and discussed the criteria of the course and exams, Harvey enrolled. A support worker was arranged to work alongside him to help with the reading and he has now successfully passed both units of the Level 2 course enabling her to apply for work in the security industry.

Louise
Louise had been unemployed for a short time and was looking for a new career. She signed onto the Skills Coaching Programme and did the Pathfinder computer programme to highlight some possible career options. After discussing various careers, particularly childcare and catering, and the training routes into the different jobs Louise decided that she would like to do catering. She did not want a full time college course and decided that an NVQ would be most appropriate and would be most enjoyable, we looked at the courses available and Louise decided to enrol on an NVQ in Food Preparation and Cookery.

Rebecca
Rebecca had been at home raising a family for over 15 years and decided it was the right time to return to work. She was hoping to find a part time job but needed help getting started. Rebecca signed up for the Community Crossroads programme and received help in identifying her strengths and skills, putting together her CV and interview techniques. She was soon successful in gaining an interview and secured part time employment in a café.

Rachel
Rachel had been unemployed for a number of years due to illness and came into the centre hoping to get some advice regarding return to work support. Rachel signed up for the Community Crossroads programme and whilst on this she produced a CV, learnt job search skills and brushed up on her interview techniques. Following some advice regarding education she went on to attend a Basic Counselling course and a Confidence Building course and has now returned to full time employment.

Gary
Gary came into the centre for help with his CV as he was out of work and looking for jobs. An advisor helped compile an up to date CV, which Gary sent off to agencies and employers and within 2 days was offered a job in London. The team spoke to Gary to see how he was getting on and he said 'The CV has helped me secure the job and I now have a contract for 18 months work'.

Michael
Michael was referred to us from Job Centre Plus and signed up for the Skills Coaching Programme. He completed the skills diagnostic assessment to find out which skills he needed to brush up on. As a result of this Michael is now attending literacy and numeracy classes to brush up his skills and is hoping to attend the Community Crossroads programme later in the year with plans to return to work.

Peter
Peter had recently became unemployed and his current circumstances meant that he was in a position to train for a new career. He had always wanted to train as a Nurse but the circumstances had meant he had been unable to. He looked at all of the different options and routes with an advisor and received advice on funding, CVs, university and college courses. He decided to train as a Care Assistance first to gain some experience in this field before committing to a university course. He is now employed as a Care Assistant working towards his NVQ Level 2 in Care with the view to progress onto his nurses training.

Nicola
Nicola was employed as a Kitchen Assistant but was unhappy in her job role and wanted to become a Care Assistant. She discussed her options with an advisor who helped her to decide on a route into this type of work. She decided to apply for jobs that did not require previous experience. She received help putting together her CV and with job application forms. Nicola is now employed in a local care home and is enjoying her job. She is working towards an NVQ Level 2 in Care.

Stephanie
Stephanie was referred to us from another organisation and was being encouraged to make steps towards employment. Stephanie wanted to return to work in the long term but was lacking in confidence and felt unable to find work or do training. After discussing her options she decided to enrol on a Confidence Building Course. We agreed to provide a support worker to go along to the course with Stephanie to make her feel more comfortable in a classroom situation. Stephanie enrolled onto a course and completed it.