Finding a job for me – Ian’s story

Ian joined Better Working Futures with the goal of finding physically active employment in the recycling industry, and to work and meet new people. He felt that he was held back at times from employment due to a brain injury sustained from a car accident, and cerebral palsy which impacted his confidence in working and his physical activity.

With previous experience in retail, cleaning, warehousing, and care work, Ian had a wealth of transferable skills and Employment Adviser, Vicky was on hand to support him with developing his skills and identifying specific job roles where he could apply his existing experience to.

Ian met with Vicky on a weekly basis, and together they updated and tailored his CV to suit the recycling jobs that he wanted to apply for. He completed several of the Better Working Futures in-house courses: Job Goals, Working with Others, Self-Awareness, and a Refresh in Employment session with Skills Tutor Christine, which helped Ian in working with others as a group.

It wasn’t long before he was invited for an interview, and after mock interviews and practicing questions in preparation with Vicky, Ian was offered the role of Recycle Plant Operative at his local recycling centre.

Whilst in this role, Ian realised that he struggled working in large groups and found that the environment was too fast paced for him. Vicky was on hand for support in this and they discussed other areas of employment and what style of working would suit Ian better, narrowing down the specific areas of development and the skills Ian required.

Vicky told us: “Ian continued to attend regular one to one supported job search sessions with me to improve on the skill sets required, including how to make a good impression, and the right tools to create a positive, mental attitude by taking part in group activities to develop confidence in how to work within a team.

"Ian then secured an interview with his local council for a Litter Picker role, and he was successful!”

In a lone working role, Ian would re-join his team at the end of his shift, which suited him a lot better. He told us how he ‘felt listened to and settled in his new calm working environment’.

Ian shared: “I am so happy that I found my dream job, I’ve made lots of friends and have recently been invited to the races with the rest of the team. Since joining Better Working Futures, I have learnt how to calmly work with others, which has really helped me. A huge thank you to Vicky, Christine, and the team in Bradford; they have all gone out of their way for me!”