Sharon Stobbart is one client who has benefited from the SQA level 4 Employability Award: “Through family commitments of caring for my disabled daughter, I never thought that I would have the time for myself to pursue the career I had always wanted… to become Self-Employed as a caterer.

Fifty-five-year-old James faced a number of barriers whilst trying to get back into work. In constant pain due to musculo-skeletal issues, he could no longer carry out his physical work as a painter and decorator. As a result he was unemployed for over 10 years and was claiming Employment and Support Allowance.

​A security guard of some 17 years standing, Robert Gartshore suddenly found himself in the position of having to seek employment in his late 50s – an extremely daunting prospect for anyone so far into their working life.

​Mathew registered with Routes to work in September 2017. Mathew worked closely with his caseworker and was seen regularly throughout his journey. After Mathew was taken through the full registration process, his case worker put in place a series of interventions around CV development and ELW referrals. These interventions were put in place quickly to best support Mathew.

Colin registered with RTW in November 2017. Colin built up a good working relationship with his case worker through the development of his CV and referral for various job opportunities. Colin also received interview support to prepare him for up and coming interviews. Colin retained close contact with his case worker throughout his journey, leading on to two job interviews.

Peter had been unemployed since 2005. He registered with Routes to Work and met his case worker to discuss his future options and choices of work. Peter highlighted that he would enjoy working in a warehouse/production work environment. Peter also had a desire to be a Care Assistant and had a car so he felt he could move around and support others. 

The case worker agreed that care work was a good option for Peter and discussed some options for short training courses in Care with him. Peter gave the training options strong consideration and they both agreed an action plan of training and intensive job searching. Within a month, Colin had attended several relevant courses: REHIS, Intro to Care, Care job roles and skills, CV Cover Letters. Colin also undertook additional First Aid training and moving and handling. He successfully completed all of this training with a high pass rate.

Nabeel was referred to Routes to Work early in Dec 2017. He was undertaking a four week work placement within JCP supporting clients in their digital agenda. Nabeel’s formative years were spent in the Middle East and now living in North Lanarkshire, he was struggling to find work.

​A graduate in computer programming Nabeel was concerned that he had not been able to  find any type of work. He met with a Routes to Work case worker, who discussed his current situation and suggested idea of undertaking a short period of work experience. Routes to Work were able to introduce Nabeel to an External Link Worker who suggested approaching local employers that would suit his skills and type of work. Routes to Work supported Nabeel to create a professional and workable CV and assisted him with a personal profile and cover letter to apply for jobs.