Roy
Roy joined Voyage after taking part in ‘Step into Care’, a local government initiative supported by Voyage, Jobcentre Plus and The Care Training Consortium, which is part of the North West Dumfries Regeneration Project. Candidates are provided with all statutory training related to working in social care, and are guaranteed an interview with Voyage on completion of this training.
‘At the age of 43, after 20 years in the bar trade, I decided that it was time for a change of career. This decision was taken for lots of reasons, but mainly with one thing in mind; after reflecting on what had truly made me happy over the years I came to the conclusion that the main thing was helping other people. I talked to friends who had already become care workers and could see that this could be the job I was looking for. But how do you go about getting started? To be honest for me it was mostly down to luck, or fate, as I would like to think. I saw a leaflet advertising a local open day for anyone wanting to take the first steps towards working in care. It sounded too good to be true, little did I know how instrumental it would be in changing my life. The open day was well organised and I was put at ease immediately by staff, who explained that the course would take place twice a week over three months. The classes were a great insight into what was required and also gave me a good basis to begin a new career. When the course finished everyone was given an interview by Voyage with the possibility of employment. I was offered a full time job and a few months later began my career as a support worker in Fraser Court. I had a two week induction and then I was doing what I had wanted to do, all thanks to Voyage and the support they offered from the very beginning.
Nearly a year later I have now transferred to a new job within Voyage. Thanks to the continued support that Voyage have given me I am now doing my SVQ 3 course and am an acting senior support worker on the night shift. I would like to thank Voyage for helping make a pipe dream into reality. Particular thanks go to my manager, she was one of the first people I met at that fateful open day and she has continued to have faith in me and encourage my development. To anyone out there who may be contemplating a change of career into care, I totally recommend Voyage.’
Call the information and referral line on: 01543 437 037