Employer: Oxford City Supplies Ltd
If a work experience candidate has made the decision to try to overcome their fear and make the effort to regain the skills they have lost, then we feel we would like to give them the opportunity to achieve this. Every candidate is different and comes with their own set of issues, which also gives us as an opportunity to expand our own knowledge and understanding.
We understand some candidates have not been in a work environment for a very long time, if at all. The biggest satisfaction is seeing people evolve from quiet, withdrawn characters who watch from the sidelines to people who integrate with the team, bond with colleagues and make a positive input. They are no longer looking in from the outside.
We continue to give our support to people who are going through a stage in their life that has caused them to drop out of mainstream society and away from the everyday things that we find so ‘normal’. Day-by-day you see people's confidence grow and watch them enjoying the experience that will hopefully put them on the right track to achieve their goals.
Job seeker: Tariq
Previously, Tariq owned a restaurant but when his relationship broke down his problems escalated and eventually he became homeless. When he heard about the possibility of a work experience placement at Oxford City Supplies, he was very enthusiastic.
Tariq's placement mentor accompanied him to an informal meeting with the manager at Oxford City Supplies. Tariq was offered a trial shift, which he completed successfully. Subsequently, he was employed on a temporary basis for 16 hours a week, which did not affect his benefits. He was paid £5.60 an hour, which he welcomed because he wanted to pay off his debts.
Tariq's role involved preparing orders by picking items off the storage shelves and loading them into vans ready for delivery. He enjoyed the opportunity to learn new skills and find out about the various products used by businesses. He was particularly struck by the fact that there are more than 20 brands of industrial cleaners. Tariq also went out on deliveries from time to time, which he really enjoyed.
When the temporary contract ended Tariq was offered a full-time post, which unfortunately he could not accept while living in emergency accommodation because this would incur a prohibitively steep rise in his rent payments.
On his last day, staff presented Tariq with a DVD player and some clothes. Several months later he received an invitation to the staff Christmas party, which he thoroughly enjoyed.
Tariq says the temporary job gave him confidence and he has never felt so valued before in a workplace. He liked being kept busy and meeting new people, and it gave him something to get up for in the morning. Tariq is keen to take up another opportunity once he has found longer-term accommodation.