Spencer's Journey to employment

Job Seeker Profile:

Name: Spencer Williams

Start date with Jobforce Wales: 2nd July 2012

Qualifications achieved with Jobforce Wales:

All at Level 1: Communication, Application of Number, Working with

Others, Improving Own Learning Performance and an NOCN qualification in Career Exploration And Preparation for Working Life.

Placement with: British Heart Foundation

Found employment with : The Sandpiper

Started paid employment on: 17TH September 2012

Spencer joined Jobforce Wales on 2nd July via their Steps to Employment Programme which is funded by the Welsh Government.

Spencer had been in the recycling industry but was sadly made redundant in May 2012. His Job Search Tutor Sue Torry said:

“Spencer was very keen to get back into work and set a good example to other learners in the group with his positive eager to work attitude.’”

Spencer explained that when he was made redundant, he lost a lot of his confidence and started questioning what he could offer an employer. Both Sue Torry and Spencer, explained that it was only when Spencer wrote a cover letter, which included all his transferable skills that the penny dropped.

He said from that moment onwards I started to feel more hopeful towards employment opportunities.

Spencer completed his induction and gained several qualifications. Spencer’s’ Training Officer Garry Baker-Mathias found a placement almost straightaway with the British Heart Foundation (BHF) as a Warehouse Assistant. Spencer’s main duties at the BHF were to remove sold goods from the shop floor and unload delivery ready for retailing. He also helped out with the function testing.

Spencer was in placement 4 days a week and attended Job Search 1 day a week at Jobforce Wales’s sister building, based at The Lighthouse on Queen Victoria Road, Llanelli. Spencer applied for many jobs during his job search sessions, and was finally offered a 3 day work trial on 14th September at The Sandpiper.

His work trial involved a nightshift cleaning the restaurant. Spencer was successful and was offered an 18 hours a week contract as nightshift restaurant cleaner.

Spencer says: “Since I’ve been back in the ‘world of work’ my confidence has increased and I’m so happy I can support my family again.”

“The unsociable hours are not a problem for me because this is a job that I enjoy and I’m earning money again. I had a great experience with Jobforce Wales. I got my confidence back, the staff are supportive and the placement gave me an opportunity to get back into a routine, and demonstrate my skills and commitment.”

“I want to say a big thank you to all the staff at Jobforce Wales and a special thank you to Sue Torry with my application forms and cover letters.’’

Spencer explained that he is still keen to increase his hours of employment, and has already applied for another 10 hour vacancy which will fit around his night shifts at The Sandpiper.

Sue Tory said ‘’ I’m really pleased Spencer has a job and he sets a really good example to people who are looking for employment. ‘’

If you are unemployed and wish to start training, or simply want to find out more about what JobForce Wales has to offer, then please contact Babs on 01554 700658.