Colin Miller’s participation in Council’s Health and Social Care Academy, facilitated by People 1st has provided him with the job-specific skills and attributes required to access employment in the caring profession.

For most of his career, Colin had worked in engineering until he was made redundant.  Within his family there is a long history of people working in the care sector and with family members having sensory disabilities, he had always seen this as a career he wanted to get into.

Colin left school with no qualifications and when a family came along, he had to secure a job to support his young family. Colin started working in a factory and as his career settled, he found it was easier to stay put and do what he knew, than change career to follow his passion. However, going through redundancy and with his family grown up, Colin is now able to pursue the career he wanted in the caring sector.

Colin participated in the five-day Health and Social Care Academy with People 1st, which is funded by Mid & East Antrim Borough Council.  The academy provides participants with an insight into the career pathways available within the sector, employability skills, including assistance with application forms, CVs, and interview preparation. 

In addition, all participants are guaranteed an interview for live vacancies.

After successfully completing the academy, Colin has secured employment as a carer.  He says his clients are very friendly, and are patient with him as he learns about their individual needs. 

With the support of his team lead and manager, Colin feels prepared for each new day; they phone him regularly to find out how things are going and update him on new clients or changes.

He said: “I see myself doing this for the next 10 – 15 years”.

Congratulations Colin, we are proud of your achievement and are delighted to have been part of your journey.

Tina, 47, from the Ballymena area had been unemployed for 3 years but unfortunately had to leave her job due to medical conditions.  She really wanted a job which helped people and supported them to live a better quality of life. Tina had over 10 years experience working in a special needs role and knew that her passion lay in working with individuals who needed extra assistance and support to lead full and independent lives.

Tina saw the Mid and East Antrim Health and Social Care Academy advertised in the local paper and thought it would be a good opportunity to re-enter the employment market.

Tina was assigned a Mentor, who mentor contacted her to chat through her employment goals.  It became obvious that she had some concerns regarding her medical history and coming back into employment.  Tina’s mentor spent time chatting to her about both physical and mental health concerns, reassuring her that these were challenges that could be overcome.  Tina was nervous as she had had a very bad experience in work previously and this affected her mental health. This had left her worried about references and how she would be able to move beyond that experience.

Tina stated “ I thought due to my past experience I wouldn’t get good references but after speaking to People 1st, I was reassured and my mind was put to rest and here I am working with three great references.’’

After reassuring Tina that these where areas which could be overcome, she became more motivated to gain employment in the HSC sector.

Tina attended the academy with People 1st which boosted her confidence and helped her understand the basic principles of care work.  Tina was supported to apply for work and prepare for interviews.  Tina successfully gained an offer of employment from a local nursing home and is now undertaking her NVQ Level 2 with People 1st.

Tina said

 “I’m so glad I contacted People 1st, it’s been a great experience. The  support from the 1 to 1 phone calls, Zoom meetings, the emotional support, help with interview techniques and being encouraged to think I can do this!!!. I love how it has given me confidence to get out working again. I really love working with people again and has given me confidence and I really enjoy my work. Thank you to everyone in People 1st.’’