Marks Journey

Mark returned to the Employability and Skills Service in April 2018 after completing Work First and The Shaw Trust.

“I wanted to return to the Service as quickly as possible as I have always been given great support and advice.”

Mark has dyslexia, is low skilled and previous work has been short term, in a factory. We looked at other types of work and given his interest in working outside, we decided to look for work experience in this field.

He also asked to participate in the DG Employability Award. Given his dyslexia, a referral was made to an Adult Literacy and Numeracy Tutor to diagnose the level of support that would be required.

We then approached the Communities Assets Officer who agreed that he could undertake voluntary work to gain skills and experience. He currently attends one day per week and has a mentor who supports him in tasks.

“Mark has turned up every week, always early and he has learned a lot and is a friendly, willing person.”  Brian

He attends the Employability Hub in Lockerbie weekly where he has up-dated his CV, does job search and explores courses that would benefit him to upskill in the grounds maintenance sector.

He has now gained a City & Guilds in the Safe Use of Brush-Cutters and Trimmers, a Lantra Award in Pedestrian Mowers and is sitting his First Aid during April 2019.

Mark was supported to apply for seasonal work as a Streetscene Operative. He undertook interview skills and has now been successful in gaining employment, and is waiting to start.

“I can’t thank staff enough for all they have done, nothing is any trouble and I wouldn’t have this job without their support and help.”