Pictured above: Michael Griffiths
Michael Griffiths, 30, from Ditherington had worked as a roofer
since leaving school at the age of 16. After 14 years in the
profession and having being made redundant, he was referred by
Jobcentre Plus to County Training, part of Shropshire Council, in
July 2009.
Michael commented "County Training helped me to develop my IT
skills, which has been paramount to me finding work. I had very
little experience using computers, had no email account and didn't
know how to use the internet so couldn't search online for job
vacancies."
During his time on Employability Skills Programme at County
Training, Michael developed a whole host of skills from interview
techniques to letter writing. He also achieved his City and Guilds
award at Level 1 in literacy and numeracy, an Employability Skills
Award, Health and Social Care Manual Handling certificate and a
Disability Awareness Training certificate.
In August 2009, keen to find work in a people based role Michael
applied for a position as an X-ray assistant at the Royal
Shrewsbury Hospital. A big step, as although Michael had experience
as a first responder in the community, he had not worked in this
environment before. Up against 90 other applicants, competition was
fierce, but with his new found confidence and armoury of skills and
qualifications he was offered the job, which he was thrilled to
start early this month.
Michael commented "I would like to thank County Training for
their assistance. They helped me to realise, although I had been in
a labouring role for the whole of my work life, there were lots of
opportunities available to me - in many different fields of
work. This gave me the confidence I needed to apply for a host of
different positions." He went on to say "I applied for my job
online, which, without County Training, I would never have been
able to do. "
Councillor Stephen Charmley, Portfolio Holder for Culture and
Leisure, commented "County Training work with unemployed
individuals from across Shropshire, assisting them back into work.
If you are currently unemployed and searching for work, County
Training have a team of dedicated staff who can offer practical
help, advice and support.