European Social Fund \ ESF in action \ Case studies

Andy’s Ark

Location: East of England

ESF Funding: ESF Community Grant – Skills Funding Agency

ESF Target Group: Disabled people

Twenty nine year old Dan came to Andy’s Ark keen to work with motor vehicles.  He had Level 1 NVQ in Motor Mechanics and Level 1 NVQ in House Electrics. However, he was unable to progress further at college or manage to find suitable employment. This was due to Dan’s lack of ability to read and write, which not only caused issues with everyday life, it had prevented him from progressing with training and employment. To add to this, his level of literacy had seriously affected his confidence.

Dan started a six week placement, working two days a week, on a new course which offers induction training for young people with disabilities a chance to develop skills in car mechanics and to move on to further vocational training. The course is funded by a £12,000 ESF Community Grant.

Dan immediately fitted in well with the team and showed how eager he was to both learn and work. He worked alongside the mechanics, helping with jobs such as carrying out MOTs, replacing brakes and general servicing. He showed his reliability, and was so committed to the placement, that when he had to take two days off sick, he arranged to work two extra days at the end of his placement so he could get the most from the opportunity.

There were aspects of the placement that Dan had difficulties with, such as reading manuals and technical drawings or completing paperwork, but despite this, he exceeded expectations with his practical work and willingness to participate in all areas.

Dan left Andy’s Ark having had a dyslexia assessment which has enabled him to return to college for help with his literacy. He hopes to go on to complete his Level 2 NVQ in Motor Mechanics next year.

Dan said:

"I have always been interested in cars and bikes and enjoy working with them. I had completed my first year of college before I came here, but couldn’t progress any further as I have difficulty reading and writing. I enjoy practical work and the experience at Andy’s Kars was very good. The staff helped me to learn a lot. It has given me more confidence and the chance to experience what it is like to have a job."

Andy’s Ark trains and educates people with disabilities or disadvantages through work placements. Some of the learners have faced challenges like illness, low self esteem and discrimination. Andy’s Ark provides them with the skills they need to succeed in the work place and emotional support to help them through life.

The ESF Community Grants funding is managed in the East of England by TCHC (The Consultancy Home Counties Ltd.) In the East of England 80 organisations have been awarded grants to run projects of up to £12,000 each, reaching1,550 individuals that are sometimes a long way from the job market and need help towards employment.