Robin

Robin's no fish out of water.

Robin Lodge from Ward End in Birmingham feared his working days were over when he was made redundant from a window company. Being profoundly deaf, he felt that many employers would simply not give him a chance and he was unemployed for over two years.

Luckily, a deaf friend was already in touch with Remploy's city centre branch in Birmingham, and recommended he paid a visit. As a result, Robin and his friend both have new and challenging careers as aquarium technicians for Aquamacs - and with Remploy's support Robin has found not just one job, but two! He also works an evening shift at local DIY giant, B&Q. Together, he's combining his hobby of DIY - and a growing love of tropical fish - with fulfilling, rewarding employment!

"I hadn't heard of Remploy before and wasn't really sure how the branch would help me," explains Robin. "But they really exceeded my expectations, arranging an interpreter, understanding the type of role I was looking for, and helping me apply for roles.

"It's great to be learning new things now after being out of work for so long. I didn't know anything about tropical fish before, but it's becoming quite an interest now. I've really got my confidence back and love going out and about visiting customers."

Robin's role involves maintaining, repairing and installing aquariums at businesses, conference centres and hospitals across the UK. Ensuring the cleanliness of the aquariums and welfare of the exotic fish can be highly technical and he has undergone strenuous on-the-job training.

His supervisor Dave Fraser said: "It's great working with Robin, although some of the signs we've come up with aren't very conventional! He's a real character and I'd have no hesitation in recommending working with Remploy candidates to other employers."