Barnardo’s Works West – Kara
In Nov 2022 a local secondary school reached out to us, Barnardo’s Works in Paisley to discuss potential light touch employability support we could provide for a care experienced young person who was approaching the end secondary school and who had multiple barriers such as additional support needs, self-presentation, expectations of the workplace etc.
Kara engaged in an employability qualification course we delivered within the secondary school and worked 1-2-1 with a Project Worker on the DYP Programme throughout the transition from secondary school to the world of work. Kara then engaged in the Head2Work Programme where she built upon her confidence level, social skills, independent travel, community engagement and her knowledge of the world of work. Kara then successfully interviewed for the Stage 2 STEP2WORK Programme we deliver. Kara engaged in many generic employability focused sessions (CV Workshop, Skills and Qualities, Money Management, Employee Rights etc.), employer talks/visits and started a retail focused work placement at a local Barnardo’s Shop, she has continued to volunteer after programme officially ended.
“Barnardo’s helped me build up my confidence. It really helped me leave school knowing I had Barnardo’s there to help me.”
“I’ve made friends at Barnardo’s that I still see and volunteer with at Jackies shop”
Kara then engaged in a woman’s only employability and empowerment programme delivered by the local authority, throughout Kara’s time engaging in this she met with her Barnardo’s Project Worker fortnightly through the DYP Programme who supported her to understand and build upon her self-presentation, her daily routine, job search, application skills, interview prep and her DYP Project Worker even went to see Kara perform in a lead role at her local theatre’s production of Grease the Musical!
“Erin (DYP project worker) has been working with me one to one helping with interview prep and support. I think she is a good person, friendly and kind and a good team player”
Kara got support to apply for a local vacancy as a Domestic Housekeeper, she secured an interview and got support to interview prep and what to wear! Kara has successfully secured employment!
