A unique partnership funded by Wirral Borough Council, which supports out of work people across the Wirral area by improving their employment prospects, has just paid dividends for former IT worker Eric Smith from Birkenhead.
Eric, 53, who was diagnosed with cancer had to resign from his previous job whilst undergoing intensive chemotherapy and radiotherapy for his illness. Whilst his treatment was successful, his desire to return to work was proving difficult - Eric quickly discovered that prospective employers were unwilling to give him a chance because of his medical history.
A fully trained electrical engineer in Germany, Eric sought funding to convert his qualifications so that he could work in the UK - and that's where Linking Wirral People into Employment, an initiative being delivered by Remploy, The Social Partnership and Voluntary and Community Action Wirral, came in.
Eric was supported by Remploy to attend an intensive training course with a specialist provider in Merseyside, and now he's just qualified as a self-employed electrician. He's already secured a number of contracts with companies, and is busy accepting domestic work from householders throughout the region.
"Remploy helped me turn my life around," said Eric. "I really needed help to pay for my training course so that I could start contributing back to society through work. Remploy's advisors at their specialist employment services branch on Hamilton Street bent over backwards to ensure this happened."
Eric continued: "I really needed to work - it is an important part of my recovery and it's increased my self-esteem no end. Without Remploy's assistance I don't think it would have happened at all."
Remploy helps transform the lives of those who experience complex barriers to employment. Support provided includes developing jobseekers' employability skills through confidence building, CV writing, searching and applying for jobs, interview techniques and providing access to fully-funded courses, leading to qualifications including NVQs.
Unemployed people with disabilities and long term health conditions are invited to contact the branch on 0300 456 8044.