OUR STORIES: ROBERT

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Moving to the North East from Manchester, Robert was unemployed for two months before a meeting at the Job Centre where he was offered the chance to join the Foundation’s ‘Back in the Game’ programme.

Hoping to gain the skills to get him into work, Robert signed up for the course hoping to rebuild his confidence and get his life back on track.

“I had not long moved up to the North East from Manchester and found myself unemployed,” Robert says. “During a consultation with the Job Centre they asked if I would be interested in joining Back in the Game.

“During the six weeks I was on the course I developed my interview and team building skills as well as meeting some great people.”

During his time with the Foundation, Robert completed Edexcel Level 1 in English and Maths which helped him study towards an NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care as he pursued a new career.

Robert adds: “Within two weeks of leaving the course I started working as a Care Assistant which is something I never thought I would do before I started Back in the Game.

I have been with my current employer for six years and have progressed to a Senior Care Assistant. Without Back in the Game I wouldn’t be where I am today

Back in the Game is a 10- week programme supporting adults aged 19 and over with opportunities to gain qualifications, work experience and employment.

All course participants will be able to access the Beacon of Light’s state-of-the-art World of Work zones, giving learners first-hand experience of equipment used in leading North-East industries, supporting participants to obtain qualifications and skills.

“The staff are fantastic,” says Robert. “They are always happy to help and before the course started I considered myself withdrawn, but they helped me be able to stand up and talk to people and have given me better prospects in life.”

Designed to increase motivation and self-esteem amongst participants, ‘Back in the Game’ consists a mixture of classroom, practical and physical activities. The programme has helped more than 76% of learners into employment or further training.

For further information about ‘Back in the Game’ contact anthony.parkinson@foundationoflight.co.uk or call 0191 563 4777.

28 May 2019