European Structural & Investment Fund Youth Employment Initiative Supports Routes to Recruitment

09/08/2016

Routes to Recruitment - Administration

European Structural & Investment Fund Youth Employment Initiative (YEI)

Success Story  - Lyndsey Lang

Prior to beginning the Routes to Recruitment course I was well known to my advisor from Kilmarnock Jobcentre due to me trying to secure employment which was not easy as I have 2 children and I am also a lone parent.  I was unable to secure employment within the path I wished to take as I had no experience and from my own experience potential employers were not willing to take someone on to train as more and more employers are looking for experience as well as academic credentials.  I was employed doing bar work which was trying as the hours were unsociable when you have young children. 

During an appointment with my advisor at Kilmarnock Jobcentre I was given information about the Routes to Recruitment course which would be delivered by East Ayrshire Council and my name was put forward as a potential candidate for one of the 8 positions available.  I was successful in being appointed to attend for interview with Jacqueline Sullivan and Yvonne Anderson and was delighted when I was selected to be given the opportunity to be part of this programme. 

Training was intense during the first few weeks of the course but with the help from my mentor/assessor Jacqueline Sullivan I successfully completed my National Progression Award in Administration and Office Skills & Services and also accomplished The European Computer Driving Licence ( ECDL).   Gaining these new skills and most importantly to get a proper understanding and knowledge of Administration, not only enhanced my proficiency to enable me to carry out my duties within the course but also boosted my confidence.   I have also met new people and made some good friends.  

A work placement opportunity to gain some valuable work experience within an office environment within HMG Financial Services became available for which I was selected to attend for an interview.  Following my interview I was delighted to be offered the position within the company.  My first day was so nerve wracking and I doubted my ability to put into practice everything I had learned during my course, but when I got there everyone made me feel so welcome and quickly I began to relax and instantly felt I was part of the team.  During my time with HMG I have been able to put into practice what I had learned within the course and I have also been learning new things from the finance sector and have attended further training to enhance my skills in email marketing and team building.

The staff at HMG are amazing team which and I am overwhelmed to be part of and I have now been offered a permanent position within their company as their Admin Assistant. 

My life 26 weeks ago before I knew this course existed has totally transformed in many ways and has enabled me to be more confident within myself which is reflected through my children’s faces and just knowing the future for myself and my family has changed is beyond belief.   I am truly grateful to all staff from East Ayrshire Economic Development, especially Jacqueline and Harry McGinn and Kate Lindsay from HMG for making this possible.

 

This is funded by the Youth Employment Initiative (YEI) supported by European Structural Funds.

For further details of any of the opportunities available please contact 01563 503000 or email: employability@east-ayrshire.gov.uk