Having worked in the gas industry since a teenager, Tony Glover, 59, from Sinfin, Derby, was shell shocked after being made redundant last year.

Tony, who had previously never been out of work, had his career reignited thanks to the job support and advice from a Euro-funded project. He now has a full-time job as well as fulfilling his burning ambition to run his own gas fitting and repair business.

Skills for Jobs is delivered by Tribal-Employability and Skills, who have offices in Nottingham and Derby. It is funded by more than £1m from the European Social Fund (ESF) 2007-13 and the Learning and Skills Council East Midlands. The project aims to improve people's job chances by one-to-one coaching and vocational training to get the right skills and qualifications for long term work.

ESF is investing £376m overall to boost skills and jobs in the region.

Pictured above: Tony Glover

Tony explains, "After having 44 years experience in this industry, I felt confident I would get back into work quickly - but the recession had hit even harder than I had realised.  

"I had never had to prepare a CV before or fill out a job application, as I had always got jobs via word of mouth, so realised I needed to get some expert help"

After hearing about Tribal, Tony set up a meeting with advisor Emma Dalby and told her it was his dream to set up his own business, but had no experience and very limited knowledge in this area.

Emma said, "I could see that despite Tony's knock to his confidence after the shock of being made redundant he was determined to get back into work. 

"I was able to give one to one advice and help present his wealth of qualifications, knowledge and experience of the gas industry in his CV. I then referred him on to my colleague, Jon Archard who specialises in new business advice."

Tony had a productive meeting with Jon to talk about business loans and grants, how to write a business plan, how to do cash forecasts and where to find specific support available for people over 50. Jon continued to support and advise Tony through the first three months of his venture.

Tony added, "I found the help from both Emma and Jon extremely useful and encouraging in helping to move my part time business forward, which is called 'the Gasman,' serving homes in and around the Sinfin area of Derby. I'm also working full time for EIC, a national building services company based in Warwickshire, which means I'm keeping busy and expanding on my skills.  

"Jon's business advice was far more comprehensive than any information I had gained from other sources. I would recommend Tribal to anyone in my position, especially those who are thinking of setting up their own business."