TNG in Upper Bridge Street, Canterbury, is helping people to develop the skills and confidence they need to move from benefits into employment.

Among those TNG, a national welfare to work training provider, has helped is Agim Rruci, 35, from Canterbury. Agim had been unemployed for 5months, and was desperate to get back to work. Agim told his TNG adviser, Rachel Carter, that he really wanted to update his forklift licence, but couldn't afford the course.

Rachel agreed that an up to date forklift licence would open up more job opportunities for Agim, and he was enrolled on the course. English isn't Agim's first language, and at times he struggled, but with support and encouragement he succeeded and gained his forklift licence.

Agim started with TNG on the 10 August 2009 and commenced a permanent job on the 19 August 2009 as a delivery driver at a local publishing company. Agim is able to utilise his updated forklift skills, and is learning new techniques all the time.

Agim said, "Without help from TNG, I wouldn't have been able to achieve my forklift licence, which helped me to get a job. I have more confidence now, and I'm making new friends through work. It is great to be earning money, and I'm really enjoying my job."

Heidi Griifin, Operations Manager at TNG, said, "Agim is a good example of the work that TNG does in Canterbury. Agim needed to brush up on his forklift driving skills, but being out of work, there was no way he could do it on his own. TNG supported him through the course, and worked with him on CV development and interview techniques. Achieving his forklift licence was only the beginning, and I'm sure he will be a great success in his new job."