Adam had been unemployed for almost a year when he first came to Brockenhurst College to take part in the CSCS course having been referred by his Work Coach at the local Job Centre. Adam had a varied work history and was always keen and willing to work but because of a health condition, he was unable to work at the required pace and so struggled to maintain a job for any length of time.
After his health diagnosis, Adam decided that painting and decorating was his most suitable option for employment, and needed to get his CSCS card to be able to find work in this sector.
Adam was lacking in confidence when he first arrived at Brockenhurst College, and feeling very low and frustrated about having been out of work for so long. He had become increasingly isolated from his friends and family because of the pressure to find work and was also on the verge of being made homeless due to his financial situation, and not in a position to fund the CSCS tests for himself.
Brockenhurst College signed Adam up to training in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment, 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.
Adam was supported by his tutor throughout the course which increased his self-confidence and helped him to build good team working relations with his fellow course participants. Adam actively participated in all elements of the training and with the help of his tutor was able to complete and pass both the Health and Safety in a Construction Environment Certificate Level 1 and CSCS test.
Adam felt that the course made a real impact on his situation and that he had had a very positive experience with Brockenhurst College. He felt supported to achieve by all members of the team, from office to teaching staff, as well as making good friends with a few of his fellow course participants. All of this had a positive impact on Adam’s self-confidence and attitude which meant he was in a much better position to find and move into employment.
Adam has now started work in a painting and decorating role, and is in a much more financially stable situation.
Skills Support for the unemployed is financed by the European Union through the European Social Fund.
For further information please contact: skillssupportteam@cswgroup.com