Ross Pickering couldn’t believe Care Training East Midlands when he first arrived. He had been to a similar training company for two weeks, but didn’t feel he was getting the support he needed. So Tracey, his personal adviser from Jobcentre Plus in Arnold, referred him onto the Retail option of the New Deal programme (now replaced by Routes into Work) at Care Training East Midlands.

Ross' main aim for was to get a job. He wanted to get off Job Seekers Allowance and earn money. He spent his time at the centre job searching and improving his employability skills. He completed his Food Safety Level 2 and his Certificate in Adult Numeracy Level 1 (GCSE equivalent) and will be coming back to the centre between shifts at work to complete a Level 2 Certificate in both Adult Literacy and Numeracy.

Ross has found a job and starts straight after completing the programme. He will be working at McDonalds and “can’t wait to get started”. He will be working full-time, with the potential to complete over-time, which he says he is going to grab.

Of his experience with Care Training East Midlands Ross says,
“I have really enjoyed the friendly environment.
Help is always there. I like the fact that you are treated
as an adult.”

For the future Ross aims to settle into his job and enjoy the routine of working and earning money.

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