Date: 10 July 2009
When unemployed Stephen Martakies, 53, went
for a job interview with a local employer ‘The
Range’, little did he know that his journey back into
employment would take less than two hours.
Stephen had been working as a sheet metal
worker for 20 years, but due to health issues, had been unemployed
for the last year. Undeterred, Stephen had signed up to a two week
Hospitality and Retail Pathways course with Employment Specialists
Working Links in Bristol. At the end of the course Working Links
invited ‘The Range’ to come and meet the people on the course to
give them advice on the Retail sector and interview those
interested for their vacancies.
The Range interviewed Stephen at midday. So
impressed with his new found skills and his attitude towards work,
that they gave him the job and he started work just over an hour
later!
When Stephen signed up to the Working Links
course in Bristol, Stephen described himself as a bit of ‘a joker’,
but his personality was infectious. Pippin Sadler, Working Links
course tutor said “He kept the group motivated and enthusiastic
with his questions. Stephen got to know the group really quickly
and was keen to get a job in retail. When The Range came into speak
to the group, Stephen asked insightful questions and showed a real
positive attitude towards customers and to working in retail. I’m
glad to see him back in work after almost a year on health related
benefits.”
Stephen said “I couldn’t quite believe that I
was in work an hour after the interview. They say personality open
doors but its certainly character that kept this one open for me.
If I hadn’t signed up to Working Links I’d still be on benefits.
Instead I’m proof that with the right attitude, right support and
the opportunity, the path to work can be simple”
The course is funded by the Learning Skills
Council contract to which Working Links deliver routeway
training. The routeways are open to anyone who is
economically inactive and aged 19 and over. For more information
about Working Links please call 0800 917 9262.