Employers

Case Studies

Wayne
Wayne didn't attend school much in his final year due to the breakdown of his parents' marriage. His GCSEs were way below what they should have been. He was demoralised and depressed. Wayne worked with his Connexions Personal Adviser on these issues and decided to go on a Learning Gateway scheme to boost his confidence and self esteem. Slowly with the help of his trainer on the scheme and his Personal Adviser Wayne began to feel better about himself. He saw a vacancy in the Connexions Vacancy sheet for a job making furniture. Although he did not have the GCSE grades the employer wanted, his PA encouraged him to apply and to be open with the employer as to why his grades were low. Wayne had plenty of enthusiasm and was skilled with his hands, so the job seemed ideal. The Personal Adviser phoned the employer and persuaded her to give Wayne an interview. Wayne got the job!

Jodie
Jodie left school with four good GCSEs. She knew she wanted to work but wasn't sure of her career direction. She discussed this with her Connexions Personal Adviser and she decided she was interested in hotel reception work. After contacting some local hotels with no luck she came back into the Connexions Office and saw a Recruitment Adviser. The Recruitment Adviser suggested that she try for an Apprenticeship and that Jodie should apply to some training providers who might be able to help. The Recruitment Adviser contacted the training provider and arranged an interview which Jodie passed with flying colours. The training provider used their contacts within the industry and got Jodie an interview for an Apprenticeship in a small but friendly hotel. Jodie enjoys her reception duties and has just passed her NVQ level 1.

Claire
Claire wanted to be a car mechanic. Her boyfriend teased her that this was a boy's job and that it would damage her nails! Claire spoke to her Personal Adviser who encouraged her to take no notice of the ribbing and to try and get some experience through a Saturday job. She found a garage which was prepared to give her a chance, although the owner was a bit sceptical about how she would fit in with the rest of the workforce. Claire showed that she could give as good as she got and gained the respect of the other mechanics. It also transpired that Claire was excellent at communicating with customers and explaining simply what was wrong with their cars! Claire enrolled at the local college for a two year mechanics course and still does her Saturday job. The garage is keen to take her on once a vacancy arises.