We next met Steven when he applied to join the Blackpool Pleasure Beach Resort Pre-Employability Programme. On the first day of the programme, Steven was clearly nervous and very apprehensive. At the end of the day he approached staff and highlighted his doubts of being successful on the course and at an interview. He explained this was due to his lack of confidence and previous medical history. Steven felt there were numerous barriers to success and he did not feel he would be able to overcome them. But, to his credit, he took the comments of his tutors on board and resolved to continue with the programme.

Over the course of the four weeks he was engaged with the programme Steven developed before our eyes, both personally and emotionally, growing into a very confident and inspiring person. He approached every activity with full commitment working both autonomously and as a motivational team player. The team building activities encouraged Steven to have a voice and this was evident when he took part in group presentation where he not only excelled personally, but encouraged others to follow his lead and improve their confidence.

When asked about how he felt about his progress, he explained that the course had brought to the surface a confidence he had not had for years and which he had thought was long gone. The development of this personality was highlighted when he made the choice to be put forward for a part time catering interview. During the process of going forward Steven overheard the stores manager discussing how he was short of staff and made the bold move of going over and introducing himself. As a result Steven was offered a full time post and started employment before the course even finished. He even attended the presentation ceremony in his work clothes, as he was such an asset to the team they could not release him for too long.

For overcoming numerous personal barriers Steven was awarded the ‘Overcoming Challenges’ award for the programme and he is a shining example of what can be achieved with the grit and determination to succeed. Steven has. He has not only proved something to himself, but also to the others on the course who doubted they would find employment and he has also been an ambassador for the College in the impact he has made in employment at Blackpool Pleasure Beach Resort.

On the very first day of attending the Pre-employment programme, Sharon appeared nervous and reserved. She struggled to get involved and voiced her concerns about her ability to complete the programme. After discussions over her past and her worries the tutors reassured her and she committed herself to the programme.

Within a short time her positive involvement in all of the activities and her kind, supportive and helpful nature, developed and blossomed. She became self motivated and also strongly motivated others, which had a positive influence on her peers and their success in securing employment.

As her tutor, it was rewarding to hear Sharon say that every activity and all the advice, guidance and encouragement that she had been given on the course, had been a huge help in securing employment with Blackpool Pleasure Beach Resort. Within a couple of weeks of her employment, her employers recognised her tremendous drive and passion, and she is currently being considered for promotion to a supervisory role.

Regardless of the obstacles she has had to overcome in her life, her attendance, commitment and participation was second to none. Despite experiencing abusive environments that led to her spending time in a women refuse she has emerged strong and determined to make a better and brighter future for herself. She is truly inspirational and an excellent demonstration that commitment and hard work pays off despite the barriers learners can face.

All the learners who took part in these programmes and went on to be interviewed by these attractions were ambassadors for Blackpool and the Fylde College. One of the finest examples of this was Rebecca Thompson who was a learner who took part in the first Blackpool Pleasure Beach Resort PEP. When she began the programme she was unemployed, de-motivated and struggled with her confidence. Over the course of the programme Rebecca’s confidence grew and she showed real motivation and drive to achieve. Alongside this she inspired the learners around her and she was seen as a key member of the group. Rebecca’s motivation was shown by the fact she completed a 16 mile round trip each day in incredibly cold and icy conditions and was still one of the first to arrive. At the end of the programme it was Rebecca’s group which won the best overall presentation award and her contribution was received favourably by the Park HR team.

Shortly after completing the programme Rebecca went for an interview for a ride operator position and was successful. Over the last few months she has been completing her training on her rides and has had some excellent feedback during her time in the role. Whilst completing her work induction Rebecca also took time out to return to the second Pleasure Beach Employability programme. She spent many hours supporting the programme by motivating learners and sharing her experiences. Rebecca’s contribution to the second cohort and the time she donated to support others is testament to her attitude and commitment, to not only better herself, but also to help others do the same.

Since completing her support of the 2nd cohort Rebecca has also spoken on behalf of the College at promotional events to share her experiences. She recently spoke at the Hilton to a room of over 100 people when only a short time previously she would not stand up and speak in a group of five. As a result of Rebecca being an ambassador for the College she has now been offered a similar role for the Pleasure Beach. Not only did Rebecca meet all her own goals and achieve employment she has gone above and beyond to support other learners on programmes and to support Blackpool and the Fylde College and their commitment to support the unemployed back into work. She has also stood out as an example of what can be achieved with the right motivation and attitude.

During the course I met with the job brokers who were really friendly and worked with me to find the job of my choice. I was given the confidence to use the phone and make interview appointments and I actually went to three interviews. This new-found confidence was a tool I used to gain employment with Paragon Cleaning Services. This happened so fast; I was asked to see one of the job brokers before I left the Learning Centre one day and was told about this job vacancy. I felt that I could handle this job and agreed for the job broker to make an appointment for an interview.

The interview date was the very next day at 7a.m. I attended in my suit and tie and met the employer. The employer offered me the job there and then, and not only that, the job I had gone for as a cleaner was not offered, but a position of cleaner supervisor was offered due to the employer being so impressed with me. I now have a team of two, who I am responsible for and I am loving every minute of it. On the same day as gaining employment I also passed my literacy and numeracy tests, so needless to say I had a little celebration.