Meet Leeann O’Hagan (pictured first on right). Leeann engaged with Morton Community’s Positive Goals project in August 2016 having become unemployed after ten years in the health and beauty sector.
Leeann admits confidence was low and was looking for a career change.
Having discussed her circumstances and situation with her work coach at Job Centre Plus Leeann decided to engage in Positive Goals.
Leeann admits that there were initial nerves about attending, meeting new people and going to an unfamiliar environment of Cappielow Park. However, these reservations were quickly removed as fellow participants faced similar challenges and barriers to returning to work.
Leeann stated: ‘I thoroughly enjoyed Positive Goals, the programme and support on offer allowed me to create a plan for the future’.
Leeann developed a strong desire to work with children in primary education. Positive Goals has a strong ethos of empowerment and choice, therefore we worked closely with Leeann to identify the steps to pursue this end goal.
Leeann applied to West College Scotland’s PDA in Education course which would equip her with the necessary skills and experiences to work towards her dream job of a classroom assistant.
Leeann commented: ‘The interview skills developed from engaging in Positive Goals helped me gain a place on the course that would be the first step in reaching my end goal.’
Leeann began PDA Education in January 2017, after six months of hard work including work placement at Newark Primary Leeann graduated in July.
Since graduating, Leeann landed an interview with Newark Primary for the role of ASN/Learning Assistant, nailed it, and got the job!
Gordon McKillop, Morton Community Operations Manager: ‘We are delighted for Leeann, it’s pleasing to see her hard work, commitment, patience and dedication pay off. It’s clear she set herself an end goal and developed the motivation, resilience and determination to achieve her aspirations.’
Positive Goals has been delivered by Morton Community at Cappielow since January 2015. Forty five per cent of participants secure work or further education having engaged in the programme. Participants have an opportunity to gain three qualifications including Emergency First Aid, Core Skills IT and World Host Principles in Customer Service.
The project comprises partnerships with the third, private and public sector including DWP Job Centre Plus, River Clyde Homes, Inverclyde Councils Community Learning Development, West College Scotland, Holiday Inn Express, EE, Financial Fitness and Craigend Resource Centre.
We are currently recruiting and delivering Positive Goals specific to River Clyde Homes customers. For further information please do not hesitate to contact us on 01475 731949.