A young man in his early 20s was actively seeking employment. He initially engaged with the Restart Programme through the job centre and had a few meetings with the Employment and Skills hub in Exeter. In the summer of 2024, he then moved over to work with us in the East Devon Hub. Despite his efforts, he struggled to secure a job, which led to feelings of demotivation and a lack of confidence. His lack of a GCSE in Maths was a barrier to employment.
He was referred to Learn Devon and began evening classes in September to retake his GCSE Maths. He focused on warehouse jobs, having completed his forklift ticket, but was unsuccessful in obtaining work so started to apply for a wider range of jobs but still being unsuccessful. One meeting during a conversation, he expressed an interest in plumbing, appreciating the practical and hands-on nature of the job and how he had always thought it may be something he would like but wasn’t sure how to become one.
Together, we explored plumbing apprenticeships and found an opportunity with the Army. However, he needed basic plumbing experience and GCSEs in Maths and English.
We identified PGL Training in Exeter, which offered relevant training courses and he went home to chat to his family with the details for PGL training. The following week he met with them, and he enrolled on a Level 1 Plumbing course.
At our next meeting he was upbeat to tell me about it all but was still worried about work and having some income to support himself while training. He said he had noticed a job posting at his local pub and, after encouragement, applied and secured a part-time position.
I spoke with him today (2 months on) and this is his progress.
- Plumbing Course: He successfully completed his Level 1 Plumbing course and is now enrolled on Level 2 and due to start this week.
- Part-Time Job: He continues to work part-time at the pub, which has boosted his confidence and provided financial support.
- Maths Course: He is progressing well in his GCSE Maths course.
He is on track to complete his Level 2 Plumbing course and GCSE Maths by the summer of 2025. His goal is to apply for the Army plumbing apprenticeship in the summer, feeling motivated and confident about his future.
