Member Article

Addict to Employment

REHAB TO EMPLOYMENT AGAIN

OLDHAM SECURITY MONITORING COMPANY PARFAS PROVIDE TRAINEESHIP OPPORTUNITY FOR recovered alcoholic Scott Greenwood through the Get Oldham Working campaign.

Having spent many years unemployed due to various addictions 36 year old Scott now finds himself working again. Scott works 30 hours a week for PARFAS joining the security team in the monitoring station at 6am before carrying out handyman duties for the rest of the day.

Handing in his own driving licence and participating in various addiction help programmes Scott has now graduated totally clean and in a position to apply for work. Responding to a flyer that was pushed through his door he was successful in gaining a place on the training programme.

The flyer was for a pilot project where First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO) funded 20 placements for their customers on the Get Oldham Working scheme. Scott accessed the bespoke service at FCHO’s offices in Oldham town centre.

PARFAS CEO Michael Braddock spoke about the scheme saying, “It’s an excellent way for us to take on new staff without a big financial commitment as the council pay half of his salary. Scott impressed us when he came for interview and hasn’t stopped impressing us since. He carries out his duties meticulously with a big smile on his face. We are delighted with the way he has fitted into our organisation.”

Councillor Shoab Akhtar, Cabinet Member for Employment and Skills, said: Scott’s story is a really inspiring one and we’re delighted that we have been able to support him back into work. From the first meeting, Scott impressed the Get Oldham Working team with drive and eagerness and he has shown all the qualities to succeed. We wish Scott well and hope he will go far in his chosen career.“

Oldham born and bred Scott, father to three boys feels so lucky to have been given this opportunity says, “I can’t believe how lucky I am. I’ve managed to maintain a relationship with each of my boys through my difficulties and now have the chance of this job. I’ve done various jobs over the years including being a Sky engineer, office work and doing lots of travelling but had to give it up when alcoholism got a hold. I graduated through the One Recovery programme and saw this leaflet that had been pushed through my door I thought I’d give it a go and it’s paid off!”

Get Oldham Working is a council initiative run in partnership with employers across the Oldham borough. Aimed at getting the unemployed onto trainee or apprenticeship programmes offering employment opportunities.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Bridget Batty .