Team ETU first met Craig at Falkirk Jobcentre when Laura Burt, one of our Employment and Training Co-ordinators, was in talking about the support on offer at ETU. At the meeting Craig decided he would like extra help and support as his job search seemed to be at a standstill.

Initially, Craig was unsure what to expect, but he was keen to work with ETU as he felt he had nothing to lose. Craig worked with Laura, chatting through his previous employment history and finding out what he may be interested in. During these initial meetings there was discussion around different ways of job searching, as well as identifying some additional certificated training designed to support Craig on his journey back into work.

In those first few weeks he completed REHIS Manual Handling and Laura had a range of further training options in the pipeline including Emergency First Aid, Heath and Safety at Work, SIA and Forklift training. Craig was receptive to different suggestions around work and had already said he wanted a change from previous work roles which had involved long hours and shifts. He was very honest with Laura around wanting to find a job in a location within easy travel to and from home.

Craig was motivated to attend appointments with Laura and welcomed the support of ETU. As Laura explains: "I felt it imperative that Craig had as many options as possible open to him to improve his chances of gaining new employment, so I worked with him to widen his search whilst undertaking training and remaining open to new opportunities."

Laura continues: "The main barrier Craig has overcome is having belief in himself. By refocussing on positives and considering his travel to work area he became much more positive about his chances of finding his next job. Craig admitted he was getting by on very little and was in a rut, so getting that next job was going to really change things around for him.

With support from ETU, Craig secured a job within walking distance of where he lives and is working nightshift, earning himself a higher rate of pay. In his own words: "My life has changed for the better and working with Laura at ETU gave me the push I needed."