Sandy came to ABZ Works after his time with Fair Start Scotland had come to an end. Sandy very clearly knew what he wanted to do which was to become a CCTV operator and had done a course in 2019 to gain competence in this area. After looking into CCTV jobs with security companies further, Sandy was advised that if he had one of the other Security SIA licences to go along with his CCTV licence, he would be more likely to get a job in this area. With his appointed ABZ Works Employability Keyworker, Sandy looked into what training was available. There were two different courses available, the Door Supervisor Qualification and the Security Guarding qualification. Based on his personal circumstances, Sandy decided that the Security Guarding qualification would be the best one for him to take.
He was able to apply for an ITA (Individual Training Account) through Skills Development Scotland which covered most of the cost of the course. Once the ITA had been allocated everything happened really fast and Sandy was offered dates where he could take both the Security Guarding course and the newly required Emergency First Aid at Work certificate with F1 Training in Aberdeen.
Because of Covid and Sandy’s underlying health issues he had not really been out in over a year so was really apprehensive in going to the training centre. He was reassured in advance by the team at F1 that Covid protocols were being followed very strictly and his Keyworker was on hand if he had any other worries or queries. On arrival Sandy felt really safe and was able to relax and enjoy both his courses. Sandy has issues with his reading and writing so his Keyworker and the training provider had previously made sure a scribe would be available to help him through the exams required for his Security Guarding course. F1 Training were very accommodating and understanding to Sandy’s needs.
After a short wait of 2 weeks Sandy received an email from F1 Training with his online certificate confirming he had passed with instructions as to how he now had to apply for his SIA licence which were very straightforward. Whilst attending his Security Guarding course and talking with other attendees, Sandy was advised he should do his Fire Marshalls certificate so on successful completion of his Security Guarding, his Employability Keyworker checked to see availability of the Fire Marshall course which he then successfully completed.
Once Sandy had received his qualifications, he was straight into job searching and with support from his Keyworker applied for many jobs with local security companies. He attended many interviews but unfortunately was always unsuccessful with very little feedback received.
Sandy decided to take a break from job searching for a while and then as if by chance he came across an opportunity with an organisation he had got involved with over lockdown, the SCLD (Scottish Commission for People with Learning Disabilities) who had vacancies for a new role of a rapporteur within their organisation. Again, Sandy took time to research the role and the questions given so was prepared for the interview which was to be done over Zoom. Both Sandy and his Keyworker are absolutely over the moon to say that he has been offered this role which he will start at the end of the month. This is not the path Sandy started down on his employment journey, but it is a path that he equally feels passionate about and as in everything he does he will give it 100%.
His Keyworker said, “It has been an absolute pleasure in supporting Sandy on his employment journey through all its ups and downs and I will follow his progress within this role with great delight and anticipation.”
Sandy said, “I would highly recommend ABZ Works to anybody that may be struggling to find employment because the support is just absolutely phenomenal!”
