Tom had been unemployed for the last couple of years and was in receipt of benefits. He was low in confidence and self-esteem due to various health conditions that made him feel self-conscious also he lived in his own flat and felt very isolated. Although Tom experienced various barriers he managed to keep physically fit and had some qualifications from college within sports that he wanted to develop to use in the future.
Wheatsheaf Trust arranged for Tom to speak to other learners who had completed the ‘One Life’ programme which is part of CSW Groups Skills Support for the Unemployed project. This initiative is funded by the European Union via the European Social Fund and Education Skills Funding Agency. ‘Skills Support for the Unemployed’ provides support for people over the age of 18 who are unemployed. The project enables learners to make successful transitions into a range of progression routes, including; employment, further education, and apprenticeships.
By meeting previous learners Tom gained enthusiastic peer feedback and also was reassured about the content of the programme and how it could help. From this Tom decided to engage in the training where he gained free training in: building confidence & self-esteem, stress management, presentation skills and Teamwork. Throughout this time Tom worked with his adviser to secure a paid work placement at a local leisure centre.
Tom demonstrated his passion for sport within his work placement and was offered a position as a fitness instructor. Tom felt he had become more positive and feels happy. The leisure centre have provided Tom with a mentor (who is an Olympic coach) to ensure that he remains happy in his job, with this support Tom is also training for a triathlon!
Skills Support for the unemployed is financed by the European Union through the European Social Fund.
For further information please contact: solentesfprojects@cswgroup.co.uk