Skills 4 Work changed my life

Islander Stephen was referred to our Skills 4 Work programme from the DWP.

He’d been unemployed for a while but wanted to kick start his career again.

He didn’t really know what he wanted to do but when he spoke with his Skills 4 Work Employment and Training Officer Mark, he found he was interested in the upcoming SIA (security) course on offer.

Stephen tells us more about his experience:

"Mark helped me recognise I had lots of skills I could use within the security industry."

"I enrolled on the course and completed it, with excellent feedback from my tutor."

"Following on from the course, I had an interview with Vectis Security and was offered a full-time Security Guard role!"

"Within a couple of months, I’d been promoted to a patrol role, which is the role I really wanted and it included a pay rise."

"I was amazed to hear that Vectis said I’m a shining star in their business and that I’ve set the standard on who they employ going forward."

"My journey on the Skills 4 Work programme has been life-changing; I feel more confident and in control of my life. I’m really enjoying the extra responsibility at work and the support I’ve received from Mark and the programme has been amazing."

If you live on the Isle of Wight and would like more information about Skills 4 Work, please visit Sovereign’s dedicated page.

How is Skills 4 Work funded?

The Solent Supporting Employment (SSE) programme aims to reach and work with individuals facing complex barriers to employment, including BAME communities; people with disabilities; long-term unemployed; and people experiencing factors such as mental health issues, age or homelessness – enabling them to move closer towards or into employment.

The three year £1.76m SSE Grants Programme is managed by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Community Foundation (HIWCF) and is part-funded by the European Social Fund, Hampshire County Council, Portsmouth City Council, Southampton City Council and HIWCF donors. 

In partnership with