TRAINEESHIP: Euan's Story

Euan Cygal aged 19 from Fleetwood, had previously been at Blackpool & Fylde College studying to be an electrician but for personal reasons didn’t finish the course which had caused his Mental Health to suffer.

Before coming onto the Traineeship programme, Euan felt very deflated and had no motivation after numerous set backs. Also due to COVID Euan had become very isolated at home so he came onto the course to start from fresh and try to find employment.

Euan enrolled onto the 16 – 18 Traineeship at the beginning of September 2020. He had been referred from a family friend and his aim, from the very first time meeting, was to gain new skills and qualifications from the programme to help get back into employment.

Euan had mentioned he suffered from mental health issues but this had been caused from set backs which had caused him to fall into depression. Euan also mentioned he had lost his motivation to better himself and needed something to focus on so the Traineeship course, being a short 12 week programme and focusing on employability, was perfect for him.

Before coming to us he had already gained a Level 1 in Electrical Installations qualifications at Blackpool & The Fylde College. With his previous labouring experience, he wanted the opportunity to get back into this industry of work. As experienced traineeship staff, we were able to identify a suitable work placement which was tailored to his needs. Euan quickly settled into his work placement at Bri – Met Metal Fabrications.

Over a short period of time Euan has managed to gain a CSCS card, Level 3 First aid at Work and Level 1 Health & Safety at work qualification and English Functional Skills Level 2. These qualifications have been delivered through the community trust traineeship programme and will aid him when applying for jobs.

Euan said, “The Traineeship programme helped me get some routine back in my life and gave me the opportunity to find work experience in an area I had struggled to get into. The staff supported and guided me through the programme, helping me pass my Level 2 functional skills in English and gain other recognised qualifications. I couldn’t thank the staff enough for helping me secure a full time apprenticeship. I would recommend it to any young person who may be struggling like I was.”

In a short period of time Euan has come along way in terms of his confidence and motivation. He feels much better in himself which has had a huge knock on effect with his mental health and allowing him to over come barriers that had previously had a huge impact on his life. Euan is very thankful for the opportunities the programme has given him and opened up lots of potential avenues such as an apprenticeship with Bri – Met.

Craig Scott work force development Manager at Bri – Met said “Euan has done fantastically well throughout his 10 week work placement, showing lots of initiative and willingness to learn. He has got on well with all staff and as a reward for all his hardwork we have offered him an apprenticeship.”

The Traineeship programme is a government funded 12 week course which aims to move 16-24 year olds into work, apprenticeships or back into further education. The programme works with near work ready learners who may just need that little bit more support to help them achieve that goal.

Over the 12 week period trainees are supported to achieve; English and Maths functional skills if they don’t already have a grade C or above at GCSE, complete 110 hours of work experience in a industry of their choice, cover employability skills such as CV and cover letter workshops, interview skills and job search. As additional qualifications they do a Level 3 First Aid at Work and Level 1 Health & Safety at Work.