Having overcome financial stress and challenges to employment, Ryan is now working on site for O’Neill and Brennan, an opportunity that arose through Solihull Council’s Employment and Skills Team via the Connect to Work programme.
When Ryan first got in touch with Solihull Council’s Employment and Skills Team, he was out of work and facing a £100 HMRC penalty for late self-assessment submission. With special educational needs, he found the process difficult to manage.
Ryan said: “It was stressing my mum and me out. We had no idea what to do. The team helped me appeal the fine and supported me through the process - I ended up receiving a rebate instead!”
With the team’s guidance, Ryan used part of the rebate to fund and complete the training required to obtain his CSCS card to work on site. He also attended an event where he met O’Neill and Brennan’s Senior Account Manager, Paul Devlin.
Paul said: “We had a good chat about what O’Neill and Brennan do. Ryan really stood out. He was really keen, enthusiastic and already had some site experience. We stayed in touch with the Employment and Skills Team so that once Ryan completed his qualifications, we could get him registered to join our team. The team has been instrumental in helping Ryan to achieve that. He’s done really well.”
Now on site, Ryan has impressed his supervisor, Matthew Sinclair, Logistics Manager, who said: “Ryan has a great attitude. He’s always willing to learn. Everything I’ve asked him to do, he always does with enthusiasm.”
Ryan said: “I was really excited when I got the job offer - so was my mum. It feels great to be working and helping out with household bills. People here are friendly and I felt welcomed. This is the best job I’ve done so far. The Employment and Skills Team’s support has been really hands-on. They always push me to take steps towards finding the right job. They’ve kept checking in even after I started work. I’d say, definitely reach out for support if you’re looking for work.”
Councillor Heather Delaney, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Economy, Business and Skills, said: “Ryan’s story shows how our support goes beyond helping people find work. Through the Connect to Work programme, we offer tailored support for residents aged 18+ facing more complex challenges to find sustainable employment. We are proud to work closely with employers to create and support these opportunities.”
Find out more about support available at: www.solihull.gov.uk/est-support