Barry Alker

Barry Alker, 18, Preston	When Barry left school he was unsure what route he wanted his career to take. He was unemployed for six months before Connexions pointed him in the direction of the e2e programme at North Lancs Training Group. On e2e Barry got valuable help with numeracy, literacy and IT, as well as learning workplace related skills including communication and improving interview techniques. Barry was given the opportunity to gain work experience with Preston based visual aid distribution company, Bi-Silique UK Ltd. Barry proved to be a popular member of the warehouse team and was subsequently offered a full-time position as Warehouse Assistant. He has risen to the challenge of the role, and has now achieved a range of qualifications including Manual Handling, Fork Lift Truck Licence, First Aid and Health and Safety. He is now working towards an NVQ 2 in Warehousing. “e2e has given me a fantastic chance to discover what career I wanted to take. It has helped me achieve qualifications which will get me ahead in my career and most importantly has enabled me to get a full-time job. I would recommend the programme to anyone who needs support to get them started in work and it has been a great way to make new friends and boost my confidence.”		Supporting employer quote: Steven Graham, General Manager at Bi-Silique UK Ltd said, “We took Barry on work experience for a short period and we were impressed with his attitude and ability to learn. Fortunately, a vacancy for a full-time position in the warehouse department arose and I had no hesitation in offering the position to Barry. The job depended on Barry achieving his Fork Lift Truck Licence, and he rose to this challenge and has gone from strength to strength ever since. “Barry has already become an asset to our team, and has now embarked on an Apprenticeship which will further develop his skills and experience. Since he first worked with us we have seen Barry grow in confidence, and with the support of his parents, his colleagues here at Bi-Silique and North Lancs Training Group, he has the scope to progress into a supervisory role in the future. “e2e has give Barry a fantastic start in his career and has provided Bi-Silique with a bright young employee who is learning job-relevant skills and gaining industry-recognised qualifications.”

When Barry left school he was unsure what route he wanted his career to take. He was unemployed for six months before Connexions pointed him in the direction of the e2e programme at North Lancs Training Group.

On e2e Barry got valuable help with numeracy, literacy and IT, as well as learning workplace related skills including communication and improving interview techniques.

Barry was given the opportunity to gain work experience with Preston based visual aid distribution company, Bi-Silique UK Ltd. Barry proved to be a popular member of the warehouse team and was subsequently offered a full-time position as Warehouse Assistant. He has risen to the challenge of the role, and has now achieved a range of qualifications including Manual Handling, Fork Lift Truck Licence, First Aid and Health and Safety. He is now working towards an NVQ 2 in Warehousing.

“e2e has given me a fantastic chance to discover what career I wanted to take. It has helped me achieve qualifications which will get me ahead in my career and most importantly has enabled me to get a full-time job. I would recommend the programme to anyone who needs support to get them started in work and it has been a great way to make new friends and boost my confidence.”