Skills training gives former miner new direction
Friday 19 February 2010
A former miner, who has been out of work for more than eight years, has dug his way out of unemployment, with help from the Learning and Skills Council (LSC).
Patrick Donovan, 58, spent more than 20 years working in the mining industry in St Helens before an eight year stint of unemployment, during which time he was referred to the Liverpool JET Service – information, advice and guidance for local people, aimed at helping them into training or jobs across the region.
It was quickly identified that Patrick had a number of transferable skills which would benefit the security industry. He was placed on an LSC Priority Sector Routeway course, supported by the European Social Fund (ESF) in August last year.
Following the successful completion of a door supervision qualification – a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) Level 2 award - Patrick was granted his Security Industry Authority (SIA) badge, a licence essential for work in the security sector.
With his new skills and qualifications, Patrick was quickly accelerated into a job with national firm, Carlisle Security.
Patrick said: “After being unemployed for a considerable length of time, it is great to be back in work. I had done some security work in the past but never been offered any support to gain qualifications.”
Patrick has now moved to a different security firm in the city and is still enjoying the role.
He added: “It’s been a real confidence boost. I get to travel all over the city doing lots of different jobs – every day is a new challenge.”
Paul Tinsley, partnership director from LSC in Greater Merseyside, said: “Patrick’s story is a great example of what can be achieved using targeted skills training. By identifying areas of interest and equipping people with the skills they need to do the job, not only are staff satisfied in their jobs, but businesses feel the benefits as well.”
Liverpool JET Service is Liverpool City Council’s own Neighbourhood Employment Service for Liverpool Residents. The People Pool and the Employment Programme Team both form part of the wider JET Service.
Nick Boston, team leader of the Neighbourhood Employment Service, said: “Identifying and improving skills is a great way for the long-term unemployed to regain confidence and get back into employment.
“Patrick’s success is a classic example of how skills training really can improve and bolster job prospects, whatever your age or circumstances.”
