Case Studies

Kev Muir - National Tyres

Kev Muir came to Argyll Training in May '06, he had always been interested in working with cars, but a lack of experience and qualifications was stopping him from getting a job in a garage. We arranged a placement for him at National Tyres. Kev took to the work like a duck to water and his enthusiasm for the job impressed the manager - James McDonald. Kev applied for the National Tyres Apprenticeship scheme and was accepted in March '07.

Greg Trench - Arriva Buses

Greg started on Get Ready for Work and took part in trials with 11 other trainees at Arriva Buses in Johnstone & Inchinnan.

Based on their performance during this period the reward was a 4 year apprenticeship in Mechanics. Greg and another trainee, were accepted and were employed full time.

He has now completed his apprenticeship and received his qualification papers.

Very best wishes to Greg and we hope he has continued success in his chosen career.

Well Done!

Ross McKechnie - Halfords

Ross left school in summer '07 with no clear ideas of what he wanted to do in the future. He came to Argyll Training in Aug '07 and was initially set up in a construction placement. He helped labourers on site for several weeks but decided construction wasn't for him. Ross came back in centre to brush up on his employability skills and to identify what kind of work he wanted to try next. We organised a placement at Halfords for Ross as he expressed an interest in retail, this placement would allow him to learn about retail and use his practical skills building and fixing bikes. By April '08 he had secured a part-time job with Halfords and was described by a co-worker as 'an asset to the company'.

Natasha O'Neill - Lunula Nail Bar

Natasha started at Argyll, Greenock in Feb 2008. She had been studying Hairdressing at college but had lost interest in the course. She was still thinking of pursuing a career in Hair & Beauty or fashion.

We created a CV for Natasha and helped her fill in application forms for jobs in local shops. We also arranged for her to try several difference work placements - Hair International, The Salvation Army kitchen and Lunula Nail Bar.

She enjoyed working at Lunula and made a definite impression on the boss and clients. When she was accepted for a course at James Watt College to study to be a Nail technician, her boss at Lunula offered her weekend work to help her fund her way through her course. Natasha has had an advert in The Greenock Telegraph advertising Manicures & Pedicures.

Simon Keogh - YouthBuild

Simon came to Argyll Training in July '06 and wanted a construction placement. We sent him to work with the handyman at Glenfield House. Simon learned different skills but most importantly he picked up a work routine and a glowing report from his supervisor. When the interviews for YouthBuild came up we had no hesitation in putting Simon forward. He was accepted on to the 13 week programme where he gained various certificates for risk assessment, first aid and scaffold building. He also passed his CSCS card which allowed him to go out on a construction site for work experience. In November '07 he was offered a full-time, permanent position with McTaggarts Construction

Alana Wallace - Royal Bank of Scotland

When Alana started with Argyll Training she wanted to try different placements to get a better idea of what kind of career she wanted. She tried shops and kitchens and although she enjoyed them, she didn't think they were for her. Alana's confidence had increased a lot from her new experience and so when we suggested she tried a placement in the Royal Bank of Scotland's Mortgage Centre - she jumped at the chance. After doing really well in her new placement and becoming one of the team she was offered a full-time permanent job in the Mail Room in May '07. We accessed funding to get Alana a new working wardrobe to start her off in style.

Ryan Moran - RiverClyde Homes

Ryan came to Argyll Training, Greenock in June 2008. He had left school in May and had been trying to find a job or apprenticeship but had had no luck.

Ryan said he wanted to pursue a career in construction - joinery or electrician being preferred. So, we immediately signed him up to study and sit a CSCS card through Careers Scotland, which he passed, and put him through our own 'Check It Out' Risk Assessment course.

We created a CV for him and helped him fill in application forms - he applied for around 30 jobs/apprenticeships in the couple of months he was with Argyll Training. We trained him in interview techniques so that when he was successful at getting the interview he would sail through it.

We arranged a placement for him with a local electrician to build up his workplace skills. When he told us he received a letter to invite him to an interview for a joinery apprenticeship we were delighted. The selection process was two interviews - which he did very well at and secured himself an apprenticeship. He started his joinery apprenticeship with RiverClyde Homes on 22nd September 2008. It will take him four years and involve studying at the James watt College.

Claire Hunter - CGL in Oban

She is employed as an office junior and has worked with CGL since Aug 07. She has recently achieved a Level 2 SVQ in Business & Administration. Claire has now progressed to do the Level 3 SVQ.

Calum MacDonald - Soroba House Hotel

Congratulations on achieving his SVQ L2 in Food Preparation & Cooking. He achieved this under the watchful eye of his head chef Alasdair MacDougall.