Derrick's Journey

Derrick has faced many challenges with his health in recent years. He began working with DGTap in 2013 where he was linked in with CEIS to complete an Employability Fund Level 2 course. In 2014 he was selected to go onto a work experience programme at Dumfries Ice Bowl, where he developed skills in customer service, boosted his communication skills and received COSHH training. Derrick then successfully gained full time work in 2015, however in this time his health dipped again and he had to leave employment. 

‘Before working with Employability and Skills I was on Income Support. The staff at DGTap worked with me to build my skills until I was ready to move back into work’

Derrick continued to use the services available to him at DGTap, including drop in computer access and work clubs where he would find out about different employment opportunities, get support to apply for jobs, and update his CV. This helped him to keep busy, make sure he was keeping up with his claimant commitment and also built up his confidence.

‘The help to fill out applications, access to computers and training was essential for me’

In 2017 Derrick decided he would like to get his SIA licence. We helped him to apply for funding for this and he passed the course. He then decided to do his CSCS training to open up opportunities of doing security on building sites, he completed this in the Autumn. From this Derrick worked closely with Employability and Skills to apply for work, using the Duty Employability Support Worker and his Link Worker to look over applications and keep an eye out for opportunities too. 

In early 2018 Derrick was offered a security job which is in the perfect location for him.  Derrick is currently still in employment and is enjoying building his experience in a new field of work.

‘I would definitely recommend popping along for help if you want to get into work, but don’t know where to start!’