JAMIE’S STORY: GETTING A PROMISING CAREER IN SECURITY BACK ON TRACK

When Jamie was first referred to the Restart Scheme in September 2021, he was coming to terms with his employment in close-protection security ending due to the pandemic. Jamie wanted to re-enter the security profession and gain an SIA badge and update his existing skills

Jamie was nervous before his first meeting with Jobs 22 Employment Coach Kate Goodwin, “Due to my slight anxiety, I must admit I found the first meeting stressful but Kate and her team were absolute stars and made me feel very welcome, even giving me a tissue to wipe the fearful sweat from my brow.”

Jamie’s very specific skillset and employment background had been a barrier to him finding work so he was relieved when Kate reassured him that they would do everything they could to find him suitable employment and in the meantime build confidence and valuable transferable skills.

“Kate and her team set about doing everything they could to help me get into work. They searched high and low for jobs that suited my skills, as well as others to keep me in work until something more suited to my qualifications came along.”

Sadly, events took an unfortunate turn when Jamie was involved in an accident and hospitalised for an extended period of time. Kate recalls, “I made sure I was in regular contact with Jamie and communicated with his father most weeks, we wanted him to know that we were focused on helping him achieve his SIA badge and we’d support him back into work when he was recovered and ready.”

Jamie thankfully recovered well and was able to continue his journey with Jobs 22, showing incredible resilience.

“Kate and her team bent over backwards to help me and had incredible patience and understanding after I was involved in an accident.

While I was in hospital Kate still continued to help me with things and successfully found me a job.”

Jamie’s first venture back into the workplace was in a local factory role, which he enjoyed and helped him to build confidence, when it came to an end he was happy to focus his time on completing his SIA application, he was surprised to learn Jobs 22 would reimburse him for the payment, “It was really welcome news that Jobs 22 would take the financial pain out of completing my badges, it made life a little bit easier.”

Jamie has now successfully secured employment as a security officer with a leading UK firm, APC. Employer Services Consultant, Donna Linton, recommended Jamie for the role, “We have so many fantastic candidates, people like Jamie with the skills UK firms need to grow and thrive. I’m so pleased Jamie has found a suitable role and I know he has a bright future ahead of him.”

Jamie's long-term goal is to become a prison officer, which Kate believes would be a fantastic career path for him.

“Jamie’s strength of character and his attitude would make him a great candidate, it’s been a pleasure to work with him and help him find a roles that suits his skills.”

Jamie is feeling confident about the future, “Kate and her team are nothing short of saints and I cannot recommend or thank them enough.”

“The APC offers a supportive working environment with competitive rates of pay and full training. We have a variety of job opportunities for people that are keen to access work, whether currently unemployed, or in employment but seeking a change. We are delighted to welcome Jamie to The APC family.”

Corina Forman, HR Director

We know that getting back into work isn't as straightforward as just applying for a job and that life is full of challenges that can seem too big to conquer. We're helping people, just like Jamie, find jobs that suit their ambitions and their skill-sets. And if they need a little help along the way, whether that's support with travel, getting online or help to gain the skills and qualifications required to move forward, our teams are there to support people throughout that entire journey.