Marc finds new career path

A Shropshire window manufacturer has turned his career on its head since starting a new job for a local cheese-maker.

Marc Evans, 37, from Whitchurch who had previously worked as a window and door manufacturer had been unemployed for 3 months when he came to County Training looking for work, in October 2009.

During his time at  County Training, Marc joined the ESF Flexible Routeway programme which provides individuals with the personalised one-to-one support, advice and guidance they need to help overcome barriers to work and progress into sustainable employment.

With County Training’s help Marc achieved an e-Quals qualifications in word processing, Excel, Database and Powerpoint and is about to start an ITQ qualification. He also gained an eight week work placement with Belton Cheese Ltd.

Bosses at Belton were so impressed with his progress and his attitude to work whilst on placement  they offered him a full time position as a Clerk which he started in March.

Belton Cheese Ltd. based at Belton Farm in Whitchurch have been making award winning farmhouse cheese since the early eighteen hundreds, and now produces many different varieties including the local speciality: Cheshire cheese.

Marc said “I had never been unemployed before and I knew to get back into work I needed to learn new skills; County Training were instrumental in helping me gain the qualifications I needed to secure my new job. I really can’t thank them enough.  I am really enjoying my job at Belton Cheese and am thrilled to be doing something so different.”

Councillor Steve Charmley, Portfolio holder for Culture and Leisure commented “County Training are the largest training provider in Shropshire and are part of Shropshire Council. They have a range of programmes available to help people with different circumstances back into work. I would encourage anyone wanting to gain new skills for career or personal development  to contact them ”

If you are unemployed and would like to know how County Training may be able to help you, call 01743 255191 for more information.