Chris, 57, came to Skills Launchpad Plymouth after suffering a traumatic experience with covid. Following a period of being hospitalised and in a coma, Chris was left with multiple health problems, which meant that he could no longer carry out his usual plastering work. Having run his own business in Spain for many years, he returned to Plymouth in search of his next chapter!
Our Adult Hub Co-ordinator, Lorna, explored alternative ways to utilise Chris’s valuable experience and skills, including the possibility of teaching in the Further Education sector.
Lorna also referred Chris to get some advice and guidance around financial support and the benefits that he was entitled to. He was also made aware of GP surgeries now having social prescribing Wellbeing Co-ordinators, and Lorna suggested reaching out to them for holistic support for long covid. Along with the advice and guidance around financial and wellbeing support, Lorna referred Chris to the National Careers Service to help create a CV that really highlighted his skill set.
The real turning point for Chris was being introduced to Morven from our Building Plymouth team, who used her connections within the construction industry to signpost him to Greenlight Safety and Training.
They were impressed with Chris’ skills, experience and approachable demeanour, and as a result offered Chris a role teaching young people on the plastering and dry-lining apprenticeships.
As Chris also has experience in Formwork and Steel Fixing, he will also become the trainer in those areas, supporting the need in the city for steel fixers to work on the £350m 10 Dock build by Kier/Bam.
Chris has now been employed by Greenlight for a little over three months. The apprentices respond well to his friendly and compassionate nature, which coupled with his experience and knowledge is proving to be a real asset. Chris has helped build the formwork provision and will also play a vital part when creating their steel fixing provision.
Here is what Chris had to say:
"I first visited Skills Launchpad Plymouth with a little trepidation, not knowing what to expect. I was soon made to feel at ease with all the well informed and friendly staff. I was given great advice, information and the tools to search, and eventually obtain my present job"
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