Collaborative working to support our communities.

After searching unsuccessfully for construction sector work following redundancy, 60-year-old North Lanarkshire resident - Robert started working with Routes to Work in 2017. When a relative recommended the service to him, Robert was already low in confidence, and was starting to struggle financially due to lack of employment.

One-to-one training and CV support from his local caseworker in Shotts helped lift his self-esteem enough to secure new job openings via agencies. Robert found, however, that this work was not sustainable or consistent enough – so with Routes to Work support he completed his forklift licence and CSCS card to allow him to search for a more appropriate permanent role.

It was Routes to Work’s partnership with North Lanarkshire headquartered construction company Morgan Sindall that was ultimately to result in successful employment for Robert. Morgan Sindall and its sub-contractors have been working alongside Routes to Work for several years and are committed to supporting its vision and values.

​Robert was offered an interview with the firm for a full time, permanent Gatesperson, and successfully took up his position in Easter 2018. Routes to Work was also able to financially support his transition into work, and offered him 6 months in work support.

Reflecting on his journey back to employment, Robert said “When they said I would be supported whilst in work I was pleasantly surprised. I thought I wouldn’t get any more support once I had found a job.”

On becoming an “Allstar” The icing on the cake for Robert was when he achieved an Excellent Customer Service Award as nominated by his peers in the job – an achievement that saw him enjoy an all expenses paid trip to London and celebrate his win on a Thames cruise.

He is described in glowing terms as “Welcoming, polite, friendly, and clearly passionate about his job. He meets visitors as soon as they arrive on site with a smile, asks how they are, knows their name and makes sure they know where they are going. He is a great first contact for anyone visiting the site and demonstrates exceptional customer service.”

​Clients are at the heart of everything Routes to Work does, and Morgan Sindall provides clients who are facing a variety of barriers, with the opportunity to develop into the workplace. Since March 2018, Morgan Sindall and its sub-contractors have taken 25 North Lanarkshire residents into employment.