Adam Dunkley, 28, an ex-drug addict from Sandwell has not only managed to land his dream job which has turned his life around, he has also been presented with a Trainee of the Year award from his new employer.

Before becoming dependent on drugs, Adam worked in the construction industry and was happily married with two children.  He liked to experiment with drugs socially with his friends at weekends, but not before long his habit started to control him leading to regularly use throughout the day.  Adam’s life began to fall apart.  His marriage broke down, and in 2008 Adam was given a 3 months prison sentence where he attended a rehabilitation drug programme.

Prison proved to be a positive turning point in Adam’s life; keeping him away from the temptation of drugs and forcing him to give them up.  Although Adam had a tough time in prison, it gave him the opportunity to regain control of his life and on release from prison he was finally free from drugs. 

Eager to find work but suffering from depression and anxiety issues, Adam was referred by his Jobcentre Plus Adviser to join Pathways  to Work; a back to work programme designed to give additional support to people who suffer from a health condition or disability who want to work.  The programme is delivered by Seetec throughout the Black Country. 

Seetec helped Adam boost his confidence, discussed his career options and supported him in preparing an up-to-date CV.  In the meantime, major construction company, Skanska announced that they had 15 trainee places for the Walsall NHS building contract.  Audra, his Seetec Adviser knew immediately this would suit Adam and encouraged him to apply.

On a cold and snowy day in February, Adam joined a queue of 200 other people looking for one of the 15 places.  Adam said “I thought I had no chance after filling in the forms and couldn’t believe it when I received a phone call later in the day to say that I had made the final 40 – things were definitely looking up”.

Adam was invited to attend for an interview and received advice and financial assistance from Seetec with his interview technique and his travel expenses.  After a successful interview, Adam was invited to join Skanska’s trainee programme undergoing 3 weeks training in Health and Safety, First Aid and  Fire Awareness gaining his CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) card and with the prospect of a full time permanent job at the end.   

The training went so well that Adam was awarded ‘Trainee of the Year’ and offered a permanent job.  He is very happy and now earns an excellent salary, has the use of a company van and is looking forward to making amends in his personal life.

Adam said “I have landed my dream job with a major construction firm and all this came true with the help from Audra and the team at Seetec”.

Pathways to Work is part of the Government’s Welfare Reform Agenda which aims to help 1m people off disability or health related benefits by 2015 and to help address Child Poverty.

If you would like to find out more about Pathways to Work in the Black Country, please click here.