IAN'S STORY: RESPECT AND UNDERSTANDING LEAD TO THE IDEAL JOB.

Ian Sneesby moved from Plymouth to Spalding in 2019 and had struggled to find work. Ian is profoundly deaf and was battling low confidence due to his recent move. He was keen to get back into work but feared he wouldn’t be able to communicate or make himself understood.

Steadfast Training Employment Coach Steve Taylor was determined to find the right environment for Ian, “I could see that Ian had previously worked in warehouses and factories and had some catering experience, I knew Invicta Recruitment were looking for staff for a local factory, so asked Ian if he could like to attend a factory tour organised for the following day.” Ian agreed to attend, and Steve spoke to the team at Invicta to ensure they were aware of Ian’s challenges and he would be able to participate and understand.

Steve recalls Ian’s trepidation after completing the tour, “Ian was concerned he had missed important information but both myself and Paul from Invicta Recruitment reassured him the tour was an overview and full training would be provided, which allayed his fears.”

Steve helped Ian get a copy of his birth certificate so he could register with Invicta Recruitment and accompanied him to their offices to complete his registration forms and collect his PPE, “Ian was told his start date would likely be the following week, but sent me an upbeat text to say he had been asked to work the following day. After two days in his new role he stopped by our office to catch us up on his first two days at the factory, how busy he had been and how much he was enjoying it. It was fantastic to see him doing so well and feeling so positive.”

“I am so thankful to everyone at Steadfast Restart. I have been treated with respect and supported to start work. I never thought I would get the opportunity. Thank You.”

- Ian Sneesby, Participant