Our 20,000th client
Twenty years after we got started on our journey of getting people on the right path, Routes To Work celebrated our 20,000th client successfully getting into work.
At an event at North Lanarkshire College in June 2022, staff, clients and partners were amongst those invited by Routes To Work chairman John McDougall to celebrate in Coatbridge.
“In the 20 years since Routes To Work was established, it has transformed the lives of 20,000 residents, which is a remarkable achievement,” John said.
“When someone comes to Routes To Work, they start on a journey with many steps along the way, and the support they receive from so many people at every step is what makes this service so successful.”
Routes To Work have transformed an average of 4.3 peoples’ lives every working day since our inception in October 2002.
Catherine Scorgie was the client of honour at the event where she was able to share her story. She is the 20,000th person to gain employment through receiving Routes To Work’s support and employability services.
“I’m still standing and I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support from Routes To Work and Janice (Shilliday) the whole way through,” Catherine said.
Her story began when Catherine registered with Routes To Work in October 2019, displaying a strong passion for baking cakes.
After attending self-esteem and employability skills courses, Catherine was offered a full-time position as a kitchen assistant.
Her experience here led Catherine to her dream job where she now works as a pastry chef at Crieff Hydro.
She added: “A thousand thank yous for everything. It is an amazing feeling to be one of 20,000 people to be helped into work by Routes To Work - keep going strong into the future.”
Robin Turner, Routes To Work’s chief executive, also thanked those involved, stating: “Our work and achievements would not be possible without the support and investment made in our services by many public bodies, but, particularly, without the special relationship we have with North Lanarkshire Council, who have been our principal investor throughout the past 20 years.
“We look forward to working with the Council and other statutory and third sector services in pursuit of supporting the next 20,000 North Lanarkshire residents into work.”