Dan’s journey from work placement to paid employee

When Dan joined our Skills for Work programme he expressed an interest in working in a retail environment. After investigating placements with employers that would both meet his needs and interests, Dan’s Job Mentor identified and successfully arranged two opportunities – one at high street retailer Debenhams and the other at arts and crafts specialist Hobby Craft. Within these placements Dan learnt to develop strategies for coping with stress and anxiety in the workplace. He also grew in confidence and was supported in developing his communication skills, enabling him to express any concerns to his Job Mentor or employer.

As well as working closely with a Job Mentor, all Skills for Work learners are assigned a Course Tutor. This ensures that they have the opportunity to gain the experience and skills that will best prepare them for life after National Star. When he wasn’t getting hands-on in bustling retail environments, Dan was busy developing his IT skills within our in-house social enterprise StarPrint.

Dan’s increased skill-set meant that when an opportunity for a short-term placement arose with Randall & Payne Chartered Accountants and Business Advisory Services, he was confidently recommended by the Job Mentor team. After a short, intensive placement that saw Dan methodically and accurately producing scanned documents with Job Mentor support, he was thrilled to be offered a paid part-time role as a Scanning Clerk. In December 2015 Dan was named Employee of the Month for his continued hard work and enthusiasm, and he remains a much-valued member of staff. It has been a pleasure watching his confidence and self-worth continue to grow.

Find out more and get in touch

Find out more about the work placements National Star organises by clicking here. You can also get in touch with Christine Hopkins, Job Mentor Team Leader, on 01242 527631 ext. 2744 or chopkins@natstar.ac.uk.