“Absolutely fantastic” – Foundation Grant helps improve skills and job security

For over a decade, Thomas worked in the Civil Construction industry. However, when he was made redundant, he wasn’t sure what next step to take with his career. After being unemployed for four months, Thomas’ Job Centre Work Coach told him about Telehandler jobs. This career change interested him as he felt he could make his skills more rounded and improve his employability. 

For this new role, Thomas looked into a Telehandler licence which would allow him to operate equipment and increase the amount he could earn. Thomas’ Job Centre Coach told him about our Community Employment Advisors and the Foundation Grant Scheme that could help pay for the training needed. 

Community Employment Advisor, Sarah Aucott, helped Thomas apply for the grant. He was confident that with his previous experience he would be successful with this training and pass the course.

Thomas was awarded a Foundation Grant payment that covered the cost of the Telehandler Licence course and he’s now looking forward to the future. 

He said: “The training from Birkwood Plant was absolutely fantastic. I will never sign on again! If work slows down, I know I have got the other skills that are in demand and I can fall back on these, due to having my new Telehandler qualification.”

 

“The sky is the limit!” – Foundation Grant helps advance career

Brian had been working in warehouses since 2002.He wanted to improve his skillset by gaining his Forklift Truck (FLT) licence but hadn’t been given the opportunity to do so with his previous employer. 

Through working in a warehouse, Brian noticed that holding a FLT had become essential to secure work. By gaining his licence, Brian could increase his salary and get a more secure job, rather than relying on agencies. This seemed to be the best step to advance his career. 

Following a discussion with a member of the Cash Wise Team, Brian learned about the Foundation Grant Scheme. The team supported him to fill out an application and he expressed an interest in gaining a FLT licence to further develop his skills and improve his salary.

Once his application was accepted, Brian received a grant to pay for training with Forkwise Northern Limited. 

Following the training and gaining his FLT licence, Brian said: “I feel I am on another stage of being a worker. I was doing odd jobs but now I have power and feel I have been promoted. 

“I promoted myself using the Foundation Grant to gain skills and employability.”

Brian is now looking forward to the future. He added: “I am looking forward to having fun and earning money in my new job. The sky is the limit!”