Posted: Monday 26 April 2010

Caring Craig on the Road to Success

A long-term unemployed man from Ayrshire has turned his life around, thanks to the support of a local employer and Kilmarnock College.

Craig Hindmarsh (19) from Stevenston successfully secured full-time employment at the Auchinlea Residential Home in Largs after he took part in a 13-week work placement designed by Jobcentre Plus to aid long-term unemployed young people into employment.

Ann Cassidy, manager at Auchinlea, saw the potential in Craig. Ann commented: “Before coming to us, Craig had been unemployed for over 6 months and as a result, lacked confidence. However, we saw his potential and thanks to the support he has received from his colleagues, as well as the SVQ training through Kilmarnock College, his confidence has grown. We are all very pleased with his progress and our only male staff member is a true success story.”

Craig began working at Auchinlea in September 2009 and in December last year he began studying the one year SVQ Health and Social Care course through Kilmarnock College. SVQ courses are delivered in the workplace, meaning students work toward the qualification during their day to day work. Kilmarnock College VQ Care Assessor, Joan Jamieson, visits Craig at Auchinlea once a month to evaluate and assess his progress.

Joan said: “Prior to his employment at Auchinlea, Craig had no experience within the care sector. However he has learned fast and picked up a range of skills aiding him in his SVQ. He should be very pleased with what he has achieved so far.”

Craig added: “Everything is fantastic. I am currently working towards my SVQ Level 2 and it is brilliant. My future is here at Auchinlea.”

-END- 

For more information, contact:

Denise Clark, Halogen Communications, (T) 0131 202 0120 (F) 0131 225 3757 (E) denise@halogencom.com.        

<  Return to news