Karl Steane
Unemployed for nine months, Karl had applied for many jobs but he had not been successful, with the constant knock-backs really affecting his confidence. Through Penzance Jobcentre Plus, Karl heard about the ESF-funded Employability Course being run by Cornwall Fire and Rescue, so he applied, hoping it would offer him transferable skills for the workplace. Karl gained a place and during the six-week course, Karl – who was initially very shy and struggled to communicate with eye contact – improved his communication skills, raised his self-esteem and motivation and also gained a ‘Wider Key skills Improving Own Learning & Performance’ ASDAN qualification. Once a young man who struggled to talk on a one-to-one basis, Karl ended the course by standing up in front of an audience and delivering a presentation. Much to Karl’s delight, after finishing the course, he was successful in securing work experience with a local retailer. He impressed his employers so much, he was given a paid job over Christmas which gave him valuable experience.
“I would gladly go into the unemployed community and promote this course as I feel it has certainly helped me achieve stuff I never thought I could do,” said Karl, who ended, “Also I have gained an ASDAN qualification which again I never thought was a reality.”
