The project, which is part funded through the Northern Ireland European Social Fund 2014-2020 and the Department for the Economy, aims to help participants build confidence, motivation and establish good routines to prepare for a supported work placement opportunity.
Help to get back into work
This participant registered with Job Directions to gain support whilst job searching for full time employment. He had not worked for many years and lives with chronic arthritis in his hands and knees. His mentor from another Job Directions programme recommended A Wee Job as a better option to ease him back into work as this would provide additional one-to-one work placement support.
The participant registered on A Wee Job and worked together with his mentor and work placement support officer to identify his skills and strengths. They discussed possible employers and job roles with realistic goals, taking account of his length of time unemployed and his health condition.
Enhancing employability
The participant completed his COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) qualification to enhance his employability and the project identified that, given his length of time at home, he was good at cleaning and DIY. A Wee Job quickly sourced a placement as a cleaner / handyman to allow the participant to gain paid work experience and test his capabilities in relation to working hours and tasks.
Gaining employment
Whilst getting on very well on placement, the participant applied for a cleaning job advertised by the Education Authority in a local school. A Wee Job assisted him with the application and provided interview preparation. As a result, he was successful in securing a permanent part time post. He was also offered a permanent job at his placement and 18 months later is still employed in both jobs.
In the participant’s own words:
“Securing employment with the support provided (by A Wee Job) not only helped me financially but also improved my confidence, self-esteem and provided social interaction which I didn’t have for many years.”