Amir had been unemployed since July 2006 and was referred in May 2007 to Seetec's Chelmsford centre where he joined the New Deal Tailored Pathway programme.

 

He was very keen to secure employment but found that his main barrier was his sporadic work history due to various temporary jobs.  He had become quite de-motivated and frustrated through the negative responses he constantly received. His Employment Consultant, Trudy, decided that he should be referred for a work placement to boost his work experience and to rebuild his confidence in the work place.

 

On speaking with Amir, his Placement Coordinator Leigh, identified that he would like a placement in either a retail or warehouse environment, and arranged for him to have an interview with a local Garden Centre at the end of May. Amir started his placement and at his first monthly review his Manager commented on his excellent attendance and punctuality.  Amir also demonstrated that he was keen to take on and learn additional tasks and responsibilities.  In order to enhance his employment prospects Leigh discussed with Trudy the possibility of him securing a forklift licence. Due to his constant high performance at his placement Trudy organised training for his Counterbalance Forklift licence which he successfully passed.

 

Amir's placement finished on 12^th August and the garden centre permanently employed him from 13^th August.  Amir said "I would never have thought that work experience could lead to a full time job and I am really grateful for the help I got from Leigh & Trudy."