Copeland Work and Skills PartnershipProgramme Review 2018/19

This phase of the Copeland Work & Skills Programme is now complete. Over the last three years the Partnership has worked continuously supporting Copeland residents with a variety of employability activities. A review of Programme activities demonstrates evidence of effective delivery across five workstreams, strengthening the belief that it is easier to deliver more for local people by working as part of a consortium. The Copeland Work & Skills Partnership has increased in size over the duration of the Programme, to include 20 member organisations, and remains committed to continue working together to deliver future programmes.

INTRODUCTION

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS

176 individuals have engaged with a variety of

workstreams over the course of the Work & Skills

Programme

14 individuals from Copeland have nationally

recognised qualifications through completing a Level

2 Apprenticeship

66 individuals from Copeland are more 'job ready'

through completing Sector Based Work Academy

programmes

56 individuals from Copeland have been assisted into

employment or training courtesy of the programme

Employability Fund

14 staff from Partnership organisations have gained

National Vocational Qualifications in Advice and

Guidance

26 individuals from Copeland have increased

skills and knowledge through undertaking work

experience with local employers

64 individuals from Copeland had employment offers

over the course of the Work & Skills Programme

Enhanced employer engagement channels were

developed through the formulation of the Copeland

Work & Skills Employer Advisory Group

Introduction and adoption of key processes that

address duplication and collaboration within the

Partnership

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Amy is a single mother of three children and

lives in the Whitehaven area.

In November 2017, she attended a “Learn to

Relax” group session facilitated by Howgill

Family Centre. It was at this session Amy and

other members of the group were introduced

to Angela McLoughlin, from Lakes Collage, who

talked to group members about courses that

could support their career pathway. Following

this discussion, seven members of the group,

including Amy, signed up to an Adult Health

and Social Care Course which commenced in

February 2018.

Attending the Adult Health and Social Care

Course increased Amy’s confidence and she

began to apply for jobs. In the summer of 2018,

Amy passed her driving test. This enabled her to

start working part-time in a temporary role as a

parcel courier.

In September 2018, through help from

the Copeland Work & Skills Partnership

Employability Fund, Amy commenced a

Personal and Social Development Employability

course facilitated by Lakes Collage at South

Whitehaven Children's Centre. Within a few

weeks of commencing the course, Amy applied

for a job as a Care Assistant and was successful.

Whilst working, Amy also accessed relevant

courses to enhance her personal development.

Amy’s long-term goal is to become a qualified

nurse.

Kay Wayman, a Therapeutic Practitioner at

Howgill, said: “It has been a pleasure to have

worked with Amy and to watch her develop her

skills for employment. Over time I am confident

she will make a compassionate, caring,

dedicated nurse. I wish Amy much success on

her life journey.”

AMY ASHBURNER

Stephen acquired his Security Industry

Authority (SIA) badge in 2008 and worked

until 2012 in the local area as a Security

Officer. Unfortunately, Stephen suffered from

a period of ill health which affected his ability

to work. He was a regular user of the Phoenix

Enterprise Centre Advice & Guidance Service in

Cleator Moor which was key to supporting and

preparing him to return to employment.

Stephen was keen to return to security work

following his period of ill health, mainly because

he was familiar with this line of work where

he felt his skills and recent experience may be

utilised. To be able to secure a job, he sourced

some training through Inspira and applied to

undertake his SIA qualification with Three Kings

Security in Whitehaven.

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DEVELOPING EMPLOYMENT PATHWAYS

Through the variety of workstreams available,

the Programme increased opportunities and

better linked pathways into employment

for Copeland residents. An example of

this was Fiona Thompson who accessed

different workstreams offered through the

programme which resulted in her securing

employment. Firstly, Fiona was able to access

the Programme’s Employability Fund which

supported her with travel costs to enable

her to access and complete Maths & English

(Entry Level 3) courses. Following this, Fiona

completed a Sector Based Work Academy

Programme which focused on the hospitality

and tourism sector. This led to her being offered

work experience at the Georgian House Hotel,

and following this short placement, the owner

of the accommodation offered her part time

employment.

The Partnership has aspirations to develop

further employability pathways through future

Work & Skills Programmes, and identify how

clients are tracked effectively on their chosen

career journey.

Over the last 12 months,

the Partnership has been

addressing some key issues

raised in the mid term review

developed by the Centre

for Regional Economic

Development (CRED) in

March 2018.

These issues include

strengthening ties with local

employers and managing

the duplication of services

within the Partnership. The

Partnership is moving in the

right direction in meeting

both of these challenges.

It has now developed a

Copeland Work & Skills

Employer Advisory Group

Stephen passed this training but lacked the

funds to apply for his Badge. With the help of his

Work Coach at DWP and the advisors at Phoenix

Enterprise Centre, Stephen was identified as

meeting the criteria for funding support through

the Flexible Support Fund. He was supported in his

application for ‘back to work’ costs which included

help with transport, food and household bills before

he received his first pay cheque.

Stephen has now gained employment with Securitas

as a Security Guard.

WIDER PARTNERSHIP ACTIVITY

TLC Support / early interventions for clients - mental health needs

Groundwork IAG, 1 to 1, Bespoke

Health / Complex Needs

Choices 2017 - 22

Inspira Employabiliy

Training

Skills4You 1-1, Employability,

Confidence, Therapeutic

Apr18—Mar 19

TLC Lone Parents. Goal Setting, Budgeting, Mindfulness

TLC Ex-

Offenders. Confidence, Goal Setting & Budgeting

CYA Work Experience,

(16-25s) Choices

Jul17-Jun 22

Lakes College Confidence, Work Exp, Phys/Learn

Disabilities Nov 18—Dec 20

Lakes College Adult Learning - short courses,

distance learning, Higher Ed quals

Lakes College

Sector related short courses &

provision

CYA

IAG,1to1, Groups, 16-25s Choices

2017 - 22

Inspira 1 to 1, Goal

Sett, Job Match CV, Voc Train

The Key Jan 17 – Mar

21

Groundwork IAG, CV, Jobsearch,

Interview Skills Journey2work

Jan 17—Jan 21

Impact IAG,1to1, Training, Choices

2017-22

DWP Job Brokerage, Work

Experience, Work Trials, SBWA, Group

Sessions

CVS Volunteering Opportunities

& Support

CYA

Volunteering for Individuals with

Disabilities (16-28s)

GEN2 Accredited Courses Incl H&S, Nuclear,

Engineering

Community Learning & Skills

Short courses for those aged (19+)

Lakes College IAG, CV, Jobsearch,

Interview Skills Journey2Work 2017 - Jan 21

Inspira Bespoke Courses (various)

PEC Interview

techniques, CVs, Confidence Building

& Motivation

PEC Advice & Guidance

(Employment & Training)

DWP Digital

Application Support

CYA Volunteering, Subsidised

Training

Impact Budgeting

In Work Calcs Choices

Jul17-Jun 22

Choices Jul 2017 -

Impact Money Management

Budgeting & Basic Finance Advice Money Matters

CW&SP Employability

Fund Partnership Prog Jun16— May19

Skills4You Practical Skills

Workshop Woodwork & Arts/Crafts

Better Bodies Accredited

Training in Health & Well Being

Inspira Advice & Guidance

CYA Apprenticeships,

Bursary, (16-25s)

DWP Employer

Engagement, Careers Events,

Job Fairs

Impact Volunteering Opportunities Give & Gain Programme

Lakes College Employer Skills Taster courses Sector Based Programmes

PEC Digital Access, UC Applications Jan18—Dec 20

Inspira Work

Experience & Placement Support

All Together Cumbria

Recruitment Brokerage

Lakes College Apprenticeships (various sectors)

Higher & Degree Level

GEN2 Apprentice

-ships (Level 2-6) & Access

Programmes

CW&SP Employer Subsidies Apprenticeships L2 Partnership Prog Jun16—May 19

TLC Support for

Older Jobseekers, 50+ 60+

Impact Digital

Inclusion Choices

Jul17-Jun 22

CAB Budgeting

Debt, Benefit, Housing adv

specialist

CW&SP Work Exp

Partner Prog Jun16—19

Inspira Sector Based Programmes

Linked to Employers

CW&SP SBWA Progs

Partnership Prog Jun16—May 19

Inspira Accessibility

support Wheels 2 Work

DWP Intensive Activity

Sessions & Support

Lakes College 16—18 Full time / NEET Provision

CYA Alternative n/c prov (14-18s). Skills, Quals &

Work Exp

Inspira

Careers Advice Mentoring, Bespoke

support to NEETS

CYA Supporting

Young People in Care (15-25s)

Transition Project

Credit Union Access to Finance &

Money Management

Community Learning & Skills

Accredited courses. English,

Maths & ICT

Community Learning & Skills

ICT Digital Support

Targeted Groups

Community Learning & Skills Employability,

Confidence building

Community Learning & Skills

Bespoke, Mental Health / Recovery

Community Learning & Skills

1 to1, Vulnerable

Adults

Community Learn & Skills

Mental Health, Wellbeing, Nutrition

Community Learning &

Skills Short courses Parenting /

Balanced Life

KEY -Employability skills/bespoke support -Apprenticeship support -Financial inclusion -Learning / training courses -Employer involvement -Digital support -Age specific support -Stand-alone provision

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HUMAN SUPPORT GROUP

Our company approached Copeland Work &

Skills Partnership about getting involved in a

Sector Based Work Academy Programme after

reading about the opportunity in the local press.

At the time we had 15 vacancies to fill including

a number of ‘walker’ roles.

We were fully involved in the process from start

to finish, including designing the content of the

programme to meet our needs.

We met with prospective new staff members

who were looking for a career in Care to help

them prepare for work. This involved giving a

presentation to the group and delivering some

short courses relevant to the care industry,

including administering medication and

safeguarding, before offering formal interviews.

Delivering the presentation and meeting the

group, prior to interviewing them, gave both

the candidate and ourselves the opportunity to

find out about each other, and their suitability

for the role. The screening process proved

effective, as it gave the candidates an insight to

the role, responsibilities, what to expect at an

interview including the skills and attributes that

we would be looking for.

Meeting people before interview gave us a good

opportunity to get to know the candidates and

assess their suitability in a more relaxed setting.

For some people, interviews can be nerve

wracking and you don’t see a true reflection of

their skills, ability and personality.

We are delighted to have found some suitable

candidates through participating in the SBWA

Programme. Overall our involvement has been

both a positive and beneficial experience and it

has helped us understand that different forms

of recruitment initiatives are available to our

company.

Leanne Scrogham

Registered Care Manager

Human Support Group Ltd

Emma Elliott, one of the candidates employed by Human Support Group following the Sector Based Work Academy

where local employers from all sectors have the

opportunity to gain a better understanding of work

and skills opportunities developed through the

Partnership. This is proving particularly helpful to

employers who can find the myriad of employment

and training support confusing. It also helps to

increase the dialogue between employers and work

and skills providers, and understand the needs of

employers.

The Partnership is playing a key role in terms

of managing the duplication of services and

increasing collaborative working. To address this,

a new tool called the Copeland Work & Skills

Partnership Provision Jigsaw has been developed

in collaboration with Partnership members. This

tool illustrates up-to-date Partnership provision at

a glance and is useful for Partnership practitioners,

such as career coaches and IAG workers.

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GEORGIAN HOUSE/SUMMERGROVE HALLS

We found out about the Sector Based Work

Academy opportunity after being contacted

by Copeland Work & Skills Partnership who

were keen to run a programme focusing on the

Hospitality & Tourism Sector.

We both had vacancies that we were keen to

fill including: front of house, waiting on staff

and commis chef roles. We played a key role

in developing the content of the programme,

especially the short course training. It was

important that potential candidates had the

relevant knowledge and skills linked to the

sector and who could 'hit the ground running'

if recruited to either business. We agreed on

the following training modules as part of the

programme: Hospitality & Catering Principles;

Food Safety in Catering; Essentials of Catering;

Principles of Food Allergen Awareness &

Control; Alcohol Awareness and Personal

Licence Holders.

Prior to the programme commencing, we were

involved in a meet and greet session in the

DWP offices, Whitehaven. The aim of this was

to meet potential candidates interested in the

Tourism and Hospitality sector and to give them

more knowledge and understanding of the wide

range of jobs available.

Candidates were given the opportunity to

have a site tour of the Georgian House Hotel

and Summergrove Halls to gain an insight in to

how each business operated. This was also an

interesting experience for us as business owners

as our businesses are completely different!

Stephanie Skelly, of Georgian House Hotel,

said: “The candidates were a diverse group

of people of all ages and backgrounds. You

could see how they all bonded with each

other, made friends and helped each other

out. This included offering lifts to those who

didn’t have transport.” Over the course of the

programme we had plenty of opportunities

to meet candidates and get to know them

better. This helped them relax and give us more

understanding of what their skillset were and

what department they would be suited to.

Stephanie Eilbeck, of Summergrove Halls, said:

“Overall the experience of being involved in

the SBWA Programme has been a personal

learning curve for myself, I have loved meeting

and getting to know each individual and hearing

their stories. I strongly believe this experience

has been a great opportunity for the group as

it has improved their personal skills, given them

self-confidence, and increased their knowledge

about hospitality.”

John Story, one of the participants, said: “I had

previously worked for 42 years in journalism

and photography but this role had recently

come to an end. I had not considered the

Hospitality and Tourism sector as a career

option. Undertaking the SBWA programme

really opened my mind and I am pleased I got

involved. Securing employment at the Georgian

House Hotel was the icing on the cake!”

Hopefully this will be the first of

numerous sector-based initiatives

focusing on Tourism and Hospitality

delivered through the Partnership.

Stephanie Skelly

(Georgian House Hotel)

Stephanie Eilbeck

(Summergrove Halls)Mike Starkie, Mayor of Copeland with candidates, employers and support staff involved in the SBWA

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Lola O'Connor, 21, from Lowca, near

Whitehaven, is an apprentice chef who has

shone in her training in The Green Room

restaurant at Rosehill Theatre. On the cusp of

her level three apprenticeship, she has already

become a key member of the team. She is

constantly learning from head chef Jon Fell

and sous chef Richard Cleaver, alongside the

Hospitality Manager Tash de Brito, and together

they produce first-class food prepared with

imagination and quality ingredients, many of

which are locally sourced.

The restaurant opened in June 2017 as part of

the Reimagined Rosehill £3m transformation,

which was previewed by HRH The Prince of

Wales. The restaurant is an important facility for

training and developing catering and hospitality

students, in association with Lakes College West

Cumbria, as well as giving many of these young

people their first jobs. In the year that she has

been at The Green Room, Lola has developed

her skills and confidence to such an extent that

she now manages her own section.

The delicious results of her training can be

seen and tasted on the restaurant's regular

menus, including lunch, dinner, lighter bites and

afternoon tea, and also at numerous special

themed events hosted by the restaurant and

theatre. The restaurant and theatre have a

number of excellent apprentices, many of

whom started taking the restaurant on the road

this summer to offer tasters at events, shows

and pop-up sessions to shout loud and proud

about what they offer. As well as showcasing

their culinary skills, this also helps the trainees

to learn about many different sides of the

business. Lola is one such staff member who is

enthusiastically embracing all areas.

Lola was a teenage mum who’d “never had a

real job” but thanks to her grit, determination

and humour she has been able to balance family

and work life and has excelled in her training.

She admits to having had no real cookery

skills when she started - they extended to little

more than cooking chicken nuggets - yet as a

level two apprentice chef about to progress

to level three, she now manages the starters

and desserts section. The fact that she has

responsibility for this is a measure of the trust

and respect that she has earned among the

team.

It hasn't been easy, particularly with a child

to look after, but Lola was determined to

knuckle down and commit to her studies.

Everything she learns is taught in the kitchen

and she has regular assessments through Lakes

College West Cumbria. Her progress has been

admirable, particularly with the demands placed

on a young mum.

She has a questioning attitude, which is

encouraged, and works methodically. She

also displays initiative beyond her years and

experience. When she saw that macaroons

were being served with hot drinks after a

meal, unprompted she researched recipes and

decided to produce her own. These delicious

items have become a staple addition to the

daily menu and producing them in house is also

a cost saving. Lola would eventually like to

LOLA O’CONNOR

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that she is producing now in The Green Room

as part of her apprenticeship will undoubtedly

be the springboard for her to progress.

She said: “At first I didn’t know what I wanted

to do, I had no real cookery skills and wouldn’t

touch fish. Once my little boy was at nursery

I wanted to make a go of something I was

interested in. I'd studied food technology at

school and passed art with flying colours so

this job is perfect for me. I really enjoy the

creative side and I find the chemistry behind it

fascinating. I love what I do.”

Head chef Jon was encouraged by Lola’s spark

and willingness to learn and has admitted to

being “more than a little surprised by how

quickly she picked things up”. Both Jon and

sous chef Richard are proud to play a part in

inspiring Lola in her chosen career and they say

she has the potential to go as far as she wants.

Not only does Lola stand out for the work that

she does but she is also a fun-loving character

and is popular for her bubbly personality. She

exudes warmth when dealing with the public

and has a smile for everyone. The restaurant

team are all serious about what they do but

they also make sure they remember to have fun

and Lola is often at the centre of this with her

humour and sparky approach. It is these stand-

out characteristics that have no doubt helped

her to succeed under pressure and will carry

her through the toughest of times, wherever her

career takes her.

AMELIA MCPHILLIPS

"When I first started my Level 2 Business

Administration apprenticeship, back in January

2018, I was a completely different person.

Prior to starting at The Beggar’s Theatre

Millom, I had little to no experience being in a

workplace environment, or what working in a

full-time job would entail. Admittedly, I didn’t

have a clue about what I wanted to do with

my life, so starting on this apprenticeship has

offered me not only clarity with my future, but

indispensable life skills too. Every day presents

a different challenge, as well as chance to learn

something new.

"One of the things that I’m really thankful for is

how varied my work is here at Beggar’s Theatre.

While it’s true that I have to do some of the

more mundane tasks, like cleaning, I also do

online and physical marketing to promote our

upcoming shows, staff the box office to sell

tickets, and work behind the bar during events.

That’s not to mention all of the administration

work that I do, maintaining our website,

answering the phone, and setting up for the

various groups that we run! I’m constantly

learning new skills and new information about

the business environment, and I feel like I’m

really getting a lot out of my time here.

"While it’s true that my course is helping me

develop my Business Admin skills, it’s important

to point out that it’s giving me more than that.

Before starting my apprenticeship I had no faith

in myself. To my mind, I had nothing to offer,

no experience, no ambition. Starting on this

course has changed that; I’ve realised that I’m

more capable and confident than I knew. So

while it’s true that working at Beggar’s has

really helped me with conventional things I used

to stress about (like answering the phone, or

interacting with people), it’s also true that it’s

helped me on a more profound, intrapersonal

level too.

"The help that I’ve been receiving on my

apprenticeship has been a huge asset to my

progress. My primary assessor, Maureen Hogg,

has been wonderful in helping me to understand

what I need to do for my coursework, and

how to submit it. Additionally, Beggar’s

Theatre offers such a friendly and welcoming

atmosphere that I feel genuinely accepted as a

part of the team, which makes working here a

lot easier.

"Initially, I was concerned about being able to

complete my coursework while also carrying

out my everyday tasks. However, I have plenty

of time each week to complete everything,

and it’s not nearly as stressful as I thought it

was going to be. There are more than enough

resources for me to draw upon, both online and

through my co-worker (who’s done the same

Business Admin course that I’m on), so I’m

never left in the dark about any of the units I’m

working on.

"In the short-term, I’ll be working on revising for

a Functional Skills ICT exam, so I’m excited to

try and get that qualification under my belt. In

the long-term, I don’t have any concrete plans

for the future, but doing this apprenticeship has

shown me that regardless of what I choose to

do, I have the confidence and the skills to do it."

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DANIEL SEWARD

"I have always wanted a career working with

children so starting an apprenticeship at Millom

Stepping Stones has been absolutely fantastic

for me. After leaving school a few years ago, my

ambition was to undertake a career coaching

children in sport. In order to work towards

this, I undertook my A-Levels at sixth form and

was then planning to start a degree at Furness

College, Barrow, but the course I signed up

for didn’t start. As this pathway didn’t work

out I realised I needed to earn a wage and

keep myself active. Therefore, I found full-time

employment working at places like Tesco,

the local sports hall in Millom and Brockwood

Hall Lodges, also in Millom. I even worked in a

factory that made stress balls, which I wasn’t

too keen on. However, the desire to work with

children has always been there and as soon as I

saw the opportunity at Millom Stepping Stones

I applied straight away and was delighted to be

selected for the apprenticeship.

"From day one, I have felt part of the team at

the nursery. They have made me really welcome

and are a great bunch of people to work with.

Naturally, I was a bit nervous at first – especially

at interview. As part of the interview process

I had to spend some time with the children so

the staff could see how I interacted with them.

The thing I was most concerned about was

forgetting the children’s names, but in the end it

all worked out ok and I was offered a role here.

I am pleased to say things have gone really well

so far and I feel I have settled in quickly.

"I mainly work with the 2 – 4 age group but I

have also worked with the younger children as

well, which is broadening my experience. This

younger age group present different challenges

which I am getting used to, but if I am honest

my preference is to work with the older age

group.

"On a daily basis the role involves playing

with the children, making snacks and planning

activities such as making posters and other

resources. I am encouraged by staff here

at the nursery to undertake additional training

opportunities that will help me develop my role. I

have enjoyed Safeguarding training, Food Hygiene

and First Aid. I am also keen on attending some

in-house training including

Autism Awareness as this

is something I am really

interested in.

"I am the only male member of

staff but see this as positive.

As a male carer I feel I have

much to offer, including acting

as a positive role model for

boys - especially from families where the father is

absent. My skills also come in handy when we play

football outside with the children – the other staff

just leave me to it!

"Football is a particular interest of mine. Outside of

work I am a passionate Blackburn Rovers fan!

"The coursework as part of the apprenticeship

is going really well. I was

worried at first that I might

not be able to complete it

whilst working full time. I am

please to say that I am up to

date with my assignments

and on track to complete my

apprenticeship as planned.

Following on from this I would

like to progress by undertaking

my Level 3 qualification. Ultimately, I would love to

work in a primary school as a Teaching Assistant but

that is something for the future."

“As soon as I saw the job advertised

I applied for it and have not looked

back since. When my alarm goes

off in the morning I look forward

to coming to work and seeing the

children. I am really pleased to have

been given this opportunity.”

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CAROL BARTON

Carol commenced work experience at the

Solway Hall on 21st January 2019 for 8 weeks on

a part time basis. Carol is long term unemployed

and thought this opportunity was a great way

to enhance her practical skills whilst continuing

to job search.

Carol has been job hunting for some time

and has 4 years’ experience in retail through

her work at Age UK. Prior to this she took a

career break raising her family and caring for

her terminally ill partner. She regularly applies

for jobs and often attends Phoenix Enterprise

Centre in Cleator Moor.

Carol said: “It’s been really good experience as

I have never worked in an environment like this

before. I have done cleaning duties previously

and have been able to use transferable

skills in the workplace. I see my key skills as:

communication; attention to detail; being

organised; and time management and this has

been an opportunity to build on these.” The

role includes cleaning key operational areas of

the Solway facility such as reception, toilets,

dressing rooms and kitchen.

Carol’s supervisor said: “During the placement

Carol has been punctual, reliable and

hardworking carrying out tasks with a smile on

her face. When she started I outlined the role to

her and she has just got on with it! Solway Hall

is a voluntary-run social enterprise managed

by Rosehill Youth Theatre, and with no paid

staff it is all hands to the pump. Sometimes it is

difficult to cover all the tasks that are required,

so to have someone reliable like Carol has been

absolutely fantastic.”

Carol also undertakes other voluntary activities

at the British Heart Foundation to build up

her knowledge and skills that local employers

are looking for. She will continue to look for

employment in roles linked to retail or cleaning.

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LEONARD SMITH

Leonard commenced work experience

at Kaefer Ltd in its Galemire Court

Offices for a seven-week period on a

part-time basis. During this time he

proved to be an adaptable and friendly

member of the team and spent time

across various areas of the company

covering aspects like training, wages,

and social impact. This has given him

an overview of company operations

and the variety of tasks carried out

across different departments. The

placement also involved attending

external meetings to see how

companies work in collaboration.

Leonard was set some key tasks as part of the

work experience including a task on behalf of

the training department where he demonstrated

good IT skills and attention to detail, as well as

his ability to work well as part of the team and

develop good relationships with colleagues.

He also set up a new filing system transferring

paper-based records to electronic files which he

completed with very little supervision.

Leonard, who has been unemployed for two

and half years, said: “It is great to have been

given the opportunity to get a taste of working

again and being part of a team in an office

environment. I have enjoyed the experience

and was made to feel welcome and part of

the team. I was apprehensive at the start, but

my fears were unfounded as I was supported

throughout the placement. I am now an expert

in paper-based filing and have learnt about

training requirements and apply procedures for

staff working on the Sellafield site. It has given

me purpose again and I now feel I have things

to aim for.“

Elizabeth Atkinson, Social Impact Manager

at Kaefer Ltd, said: “Leonard was punctual,

reliable and displayed a professional manner

in the workplace. He was hardworking

and enthusiastic, carrying out any tasks

given conscientiously and efficiently. He

demonstrated good communication skills,

asking questions or help on specific tasks if

required. Kaefer would welcome an application

from Leonard if a suitable position becomes

available as he would be a valuable addition to

our team."

LIAM ASHBRIDGE

Liam applied for work experience at Westlakes

Engineering in December 2018. Based on

Liam’s application form he was invited into the

office to participate in an interview where he

was successful. He was offered a placement

undergoing the company's new and improved

five-day technical based work experience

programme.

As part of this, Liam learned different aspects

of working for a Civil and Structural Engineering

company. The five-day programme includes;

Project Management; 3D Design; presenting

a design and managing costs of a project,

whilst working in an office environment

with colleagues of all levels of discipline and

experience.

Liam’s attitude towards his work was

exceptional. He was punctual every day and got

to work with no issues. Liam has a great work

ethic. We sat with Liam initially at the beginning

of the week and introduced him to the work

programme he would be following and anything

he didn’t understand he was able to let us know

and ask questions.

North Press Printers, Cleator Moor - www.northpress.co.uk

01946 598300info@copeland.gov.ukwww.copeland.gov.ukD @copelandbc

Copeland Borough CouncilThe Copeland CentreCatherine StreetWhitehavenCumbria, CA28 7SJ

Funded by

Once Liam was happy that he knew what he

was doing he produced a high standard of

technical work. Liam adapted to the office

environment well and he was polite and friendly

towards other members of staff.

Liam said: "It was a great placement with

lots of variety; I worked on CAD, developed

PowerPoint presentations and went on visits

with colleagues. I received lots help when

I needed it and I feel that I have learned

lots about how the work-place operates in

that sector. I have also learned more about

employers’ expectations and definitely feel

more confident. It’s a great addition to my CV."

Claire Murphy, of Westlakes Engineering, said:

"We would be happy to have Liam with us again

should he ever need to gain further experience

in Civil and Structural Engineering should the

opportunity arise."

Caroline found out about the work experience

opportunity at the Original Factory Shop in

Egremont after chatting to one of the advisors

at DWP. She hadn’t been in work for 18 years

as she had spent this time raising her family.

Caroline began the work placement on 28th

August 2018 for six-weeks on a part-time basis.

She was quite nervous at first and found it

difficult to interact with other members of the

team so spent most of this time working in the

warehouse area of the shop where it was quiet

and to help build up her confidence.

As the placement progressed, Caroline’s

confidence grew, so much so that when a job

became available she decided to submit an

application. Caroline impressed the interviewees

and when the work experience ended she

progressed into a permanent part-time job

which commenced on 30 September. Since

starting, she has gained experience working

across all the different departments on the shop

floor and is a key member of the team.

Caroline’s main remit is to manage the footwear

and fashion department. This involves tasks

such as processing deliveries; merchandising;

recovery and supporting the leaflet launch

every two weeks.

Caroline said: “It was really daunting at first

going back into the workplace. I wasn’t very

confident in my ability when I started. Everyone

at the Factory Shop has been great though and

have helped me through the last few months.

When I have been stuck or had a wobble they

have always been there. I couldn’t have asked

for any more. Before having my family I used to

do café work and I also worked in an off-licence.

This is very different, but I really like it. It’s like

being part of a big family working here.”

Deb Miller, Manager at the Original Factory

Shop, said: “I’m really pleased with the progress

Caroline is making. Since starting she has really

flourished and is an asset to the team. She is

great with customers and often goes above and

beyond her role. Sometimes she has even taken

shopping home for customers! I can’t ask for

any more really.”

Since starting work at the Factory shop

Caroline’s husband has also moved into

employment.

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CAROLINE McCRICKARD