Participant's story
This participant left secondary education with very few qualifications. He stated this was because he had a difficult childhood, a broken home due to parental substance misuse and, after school, living in a hostel. This caused him to have low self-esteem, lack of confidence and no aspiration or direction in his life.
A youth organisation discovered him in the hotel in which he was living. They offered him support and a listening ear. He had no employment history or CV but due to being inspired by his youth worker he decided to pursue a career in youth work. Although he was already volunteering, to achieve his goal he knew he still needed English and Maths qualifications as well as a better understanding of employability and the world of work.
Gaining qualifications
After meeting with the Give and Take: Start Youth Worker, he commenced the programme where he completed OCN (Open College Network) qualifications in Progression to Employment, Application of Numbers and Communication. He participated in a range of programmes and opportunities offered through Give and Take: Start, thereby increasing his confidence and determination to succeed.
Gaining employment
With the support of Give and Take: Start he was successful in gaining employment in a youth work role.
The participant says,
“Thanks to the Give and Take: Start Youth Worker and the Start programme. I would not be in the position I am in at present (without them), and I could have never believed in my wildest dreams that I would be a youth worker with a positive future.”