Dave’s case study

Referral from Justice Services and on completion of an initial assessment Dave was assessed to start his Apex Client Journey at stage 2 – Barrier Removal.

Dave has been in and out of prison from the age of 16 and never worked. Dave was keen to work at the point of referral but due to his convictions and lack of work history did not believe he would ever be able to gain employment. At our initial appointments we spent time building trust and establishing a good working relationship with Dave. After a few meetings he became more outgoing and open about his circumstances and what life had been like for him up to this point. We completed a Subject to Access Request to determine spent/unspent convictions and what this would mean for future employment opportunities.

Stage 3 – Vocational Activity

Dave completed his CSCS card whilst in prison. Through discussions we established that gaining work experience was his most important goal. We agreed that finding a work trial in construction would be the most beneficial way forward. We contacted a local employer and set up a meeting, that both Dave and I attended. The employer agreed to a one-week unpaid work trial and Dave was happy with this, he was confident he was ready for work and eager to prove himself with the opportunity. We completed a letter of disclosure to ensure he was able to accurately disclose convictions to any relevant employers and this was added to his employment portfolio.

Stage 4 – Skills for Work

We prepared for the work trial by talking about employer expectations and looking at transport options. Using Apex social media we were able to get Dave PPE and safety boots for his work trial. Dave completed one week of work experience with a local construction company. The trial went extremely well, Dave and I had daily contact to ensure he felt supported and to check on how things were going. At the end of the working week Dave was offered full-time employment to start the following week.

Stage 5 – Routes to Work

Dave has now successfully been in employment for 6 weeks, due to the hours he is working we have only had phone contact, this was to keep communication open, so Dave knew we were here if he required any support or had any employment queries. Dave has settled into the job very well and has had great feedback from his employer and his Justice social worker. Daves feedback is that the support he has received and continues to receive from Apex and his employer has been life changing.