Amanda Graduates

On Thursday 16th November our Employability Tutor Amanda Barr graduated from the University of the West of Scotland. Amanda graduated from the Post Graduate in Careers Guidance & Development and did so with distinction.

On the same day our former colleague and now Careers Adviser Amanda Bennie also graduated.

Well done to you both!

Chloe's Employability Journey

We had another great success story to celebrate this week as Chloe Anderson progressed from our Stage 3 Employability Fund course into full time employment.

Chloe left school the day of joining our course. Like many other people her age Chloe was desperate to leave school and start a career for herself. "I was happy to leave school but scared of starting something new. Starting in a new group was hard but I got to know everyone." Chloe was set on a career in childcare however after a short spell within the nursery she realised how difficult the job role was. Starting a work placement was a real eye opening experience for Chloe as she began to realise how difficult the world of work was. Chloe was now left with a feeling of fear, not knowing what to do next.

“I was happy to leave school but scared of starting something new”

We continued to support Chloe after leaving and through a family friend she was given the opportunity to start work with Subway. It goes to show do not solely rely on the internet to find employment opportunities.

Thanks to Richard for making an awkward photograph that little bit easier for Chloe and well done again.

Erin's learning journey

On my visit to Clever Clogs Nursery I met up with one of our successful learners. Erin started with l&g learning over 2 years ago looking to build on her qualifications, her confidence and gain valuable work experience within a nursery. It took her a while to build on these skills but in the end her hard work and dedication paid of and she was offered a position within the nursery. When Erin came to l&g learning she had been applying for various Modern Apprenticeships in childcare but really struggled with no experience.

"Without l&g I probably wouldn't be where I am now"

Now she is fully qualified and continues on her learning journey. She said "Without l&g I probably wouldn't be where I am now. I love my job". It was great to see how well she is doing and we are excited to see what the future holds for Erin.

If you think the Employability Fund could help you start your career why not get in touch with us

Return of the Lambert

l&g learning’s newest Employability Facilitiator had an opportunity to visit her former High School to promote the Employability Fund to students who are preparing to leave school.

Angelica started on the Employability Fund programme after leaving school unsure what to do next. A familiar feeling for a lot of students in her position. She was informed about l&g learning from her post school careers adviser at Skills Development Scotland and ventured into the city centre for her first ever interview.

"Another thing I found strange was having to enter the school via the main visitor’s entrance, I was a visitor on this occasion but it didn’t feel like I was"

Upon completion of the course Angelica was offered the Receptionist position within the company and since then has went on the complete a Modern Apprenticeship in Creative & Digital Media and very recently started working within the Employability Team. Continue reading to find out how her visit went.

“The walk from the train station to the school was even a little odd, we walked past the gate that I would walk in every morning after getting off my school bus and down the path I used to walk after getting crisps/sweets from the ice cream van (that I’m sure wasn’t even allowed to be there) most breaks and lunch. Another thing which I found strange was having to enter the school via the main visitor’s entrance, I was a visitor on this occasion but it didn’t feel like I was, having spent 6 years in the place. As we arrived inside we were greeted by two friendly senior pupils who showed us to our designated stall. Charis and I quickly got set up and started chatting to the students and their parents asking what their plans were for the forthcoming year and if they had any career choices in mind yet. For the majority of them only being in 4th year they weren’t too sure yet so we just let them know that the Employability Fund is another option from college and university. When our stall was quiet I was scanning the room trying to look for any familiar faces of teachers that I would recognise but wasn’t having much luck and that made me wonder if they had left and if so why? One thing I did notice was that all the students were still smartly dressed wearing blazers and it was nice to see, even thinking that was strange for me because I remember all too well struggling to abide by the strict uniform rules. I went to the social area girls toilets and walking in there was a little strange, still looks the same, still smells the same but didn’t feel the same because half the time I’d go to the toilet was to kill some time of classes I didn’t enjoy too much.”

“I got a chance to have a wander about the different stalls and when doing so I bumped into my old head teacher who was still all smiles just as I remember him, it was nice to let him know that I’m doing well and enjoying working at l&g learning and he was happy to hear this news too. The night went in quickly talking to lots of students and I remember attending these events when I was in school so it was strange being at the other side of the stall but I thoroughly enjoyed it and glad I got given the opportunity.”

Fit for Work launch

l&g learning Walking Group

l&g learning are proud to launch our new partnership initiative to tie in with Mental Health Awareness Week #MHAW17

We have partnered with Jogscotland and SAMH to promote the benefits of physical activity in tackling and preventing mental health problems. 1 in 4 of us will experience poor mental health at some point in our lives. Mental health doesn't discriminate - it can impact on anyone's life!

Exercise plays a vital role in preventing and helping with mental health problems. Being active has proven to;

• Improve your mood
• Reduce stress
• Reduce depression and anxiety
• Improve cognitive function
• Have social benefits
• Build confidence and self esteem
• Improve your overall quality of life

'Doesn't matter what age you are, or how fit you think you are, being active has so many benefits to your health, well-being. So go on, what have you got to lose' - Lorna l&g learning Director

Stay tuned to our website and social media pages for updates on learners progress throughout the year.

Andrew