Employability event brings job success

An employability event at HMYOI Werrington has led to a job offer for one of the young learners with national employer, Greggs. 

Greggs was one of a number of employers who attended the event, hosted by the Novus Engagement and Resettlement Team. The company was keen to speak to the young people about employment prospects and what skills and attributes they were looking for in potential new members of their team. 

The Story

One of the young people at the event spoke to the team at Greggs about his aspirations on leaving custody, and that he was interested in getting into hospitality and catering. 

He said: “I want to start afresh and use what skills and qualifications I’ve gained at Werrington to help me on release.” 

He started his education journey with Novus on the Independent Living Skills Course (cookery) Level 1, progressing onto Barista Level 2, which covers food safety, barista skills and customer service. While working in the Barista he successfully applied to the Prison Education Trust (PET) to do a Level 3 Management qualification, which he has now started. 

Novus Engagement and Resettlement Worker Paul Higgins supported the young person to produce his CV and work on his interview skills. He is beginning his work experience with Greggs, through release on temporary licence (ROTL), to build his confidence. He will also be supported by his new manager at Greggs on the PET Level 3 Management course. Greggs are working with the young person with the hope that there will be a full time position job opportunity for him when he is released. 

Eileen Nicklin, Novus Engagement and Resettlement Manager at HMYOI Werrington said: “Paul worked tirelessly behind the scenes to secure this fantastic opportunity for the young person and this is a great outcome for him. The contacts made from the employment fair have not only helped the young person in question but are yielding results for other young people here at Werrington. This shows the importance of employment events, they give the young people motivation and inspiration to want more.”

I want to start afresh and use what skills and qualifications I’ve gained at Werrington to help me on release.