Graham Finnegan received employment support from FareShare Midlands’ I-Can and Elevate programmes, and now works full-time in a job he feels really fulfilled doing.
Graham had experience in a wide range of jobs in varying sectors, including driving buses for National Express and working as a hospital porter, when he decided he was looking for a change in his career and wanted to work within the warehousing sector.
“When I was looking for a career change, I visited the job centre and requested an interview with the jobs coach there. They were very helpful, and we worked through all my options.”
As a result, Graham was referred to FareShare Midlands’ I-Can Employability Programme by the National Careers Service for support in making this aspiration a reality. Through the course, Graham gained work experience in our Birmingham warehouse, as well as completing his Logistics Level 2 Health and Safety qualification and Forklift Truck licence. With his newly acquired skills and credentials, Graham was successful in gaining employment in warehousing.
“I attended FareShare Midlands I-Can course, which was run over a 3-week period. It was both really informative and very relaxed. The coach was approachable and willing to answer any questions you had. The same can be said about the forklift course – you get out of it what you put in!”
Unfortunately, a little while later, Graham was at risk of redundancy, and so returned to FareShare Midlands for support through the Elevate programme. Delivered in partnership with Centre for Ageing Better, the Elevate programme provided people over 50 with bespoke redundancy support from experienced coaches, enabling them to take control of their future and re-enter the workforce with confidence.
Through the 3-day programme, Graham received coaching in confidence-building, interview practice and CV support, which would improve his self-esteem and give him more opportunities in the work sector.
“I needed help updating and improving my CV, and I also hadn’t done an interview for some time, so the Elevate course was just what I needed. It was very useful, and once again the coach was really helpful.”
Now fully equipped to re-enter the workforce, Graham had the confidence to apply for the role of Warehouse co-ordinator at FareShare Midlands! Impressing at interview, he was successful in his application and now works full time at our Nechells depot, assisting the operations team in sorting, storing and packing food for our members.
“I was pleased when I heard there was a job vacancy at FareShare Midlands. As I now had my new CV, and I needed to try out my interview techniques, I applied for the role of Warehouse Co-Ordinator. I now work 5 days a week in a job that I actually like and feel really good doing!”
