Tracey Andrews, 46 lives in Castleford with her partner and
children. She had been out of work for a siginificant period of
time after having been made redundant.
Tracey went to the Job Centre to get help with her CV, where she
was informed about the Future Job Fund programme and she was
instantly interested. She was shown several vacancies, including
'The Place' in Airedale. She sent an application and, soon, after,
began working full time as a cafe assistant.
Her mentor whilst working at 'The Place' sent Tracey on a
variety of courses to enable her to progress within her role
including; customer care, level 2 food hygiene, health and safety,
first aid and is currently sitting a level 3 food hygiene course
which will allow supervision of cafes in accordance with health and
safety law. Tracey also worked on interview techniques, job
searching and CV support with her mentor Rebecca during her reviews
to stand her in good stead when applying for jobs.
Tracey received news that she would be kept on as an employee at
'The Place' due to her proven ability and willingness to work. Upon
acquiring the above mentioned level 3 qualification, it is proposed
Tracey will become a supervisor at the cafe, allowing the current
manager to run a new cafe in Castleford at The Bridge Art Centre
Tracey spoke of the Future Job Fund process and said:
"I have found the Future Job Fund programme a great success and
very beneficial. The training has been excellent and has allowed me
to start earning a wage again, which means I can treat my family
and don't have to rely on benefits anymore"
Her manager Debra has been delighted in the calibre of candidate
they received in Tracey. She went on to say:
"Tracey is often the first one into the cafe on a morning
getting jobs done before she is due to start work. Upon gaining her
level 3 food safety , I am happy for Tracey to run and supervise
the new cafe alone as I have no doubt she would cope really well.
This will allow me to move to the new cafe and develop our business
down there"
Without Future Jobs Fund, Tracey would not have been given the
opportunity to work again. Without the training provided, it would
not have beeen possible for Tracey to fufill this role and
undertake the additional responsibilities . The programme has been
a complete success from start to finish and Tracey looks forward to
a future with 'The Place'.