TNG in Birkenhead helps young man into employment in the childcare industry.

Jamie Simpson, 20, from Birkenhead, had been out of work for two years before TNG, a national welfare to work provider, helped him turn his natural ability with children into a promising career in childcare.

Prior to joining the TNG in Birkenhead, Jamie had gained a range of qualifications in Maths, English, Information Technology, and Health and Social Care, but was finding it difficult to get a job because he lacked work experience. His TNG adviser, John Dumbell, found Jamie an eight week placement at his local Oxfam. While there, he not only gained valuable communication skills through his work with customers, but a much needed confidence boost from the praise of his store manager.

While pursuing another job in retail seemed to be the safest choice for his next move, Jamie was determined to put his work experience and newfound confidence to use in a job he was passionate about. Eager to use his qualifications, and inspired by a volunteer program he did in college as a local primary school’s classroom adviser, he worked with TNG staff to improve his CV and started looking into jobs in the childcare industry.

Jamie's own niece, whom he regularly drops off at Ducklings Nursery in Moreton, the Wirral, turned out to be the catalyst to his success. With guidance from his TNG adviser, he approached the nursery to ask about any employment opportunities. During his short visits, the staff had been very impressed by his natural engagement with the children, and when Jamie mentioned his interest in a career in childcare, they asked him to do a one day work trial. The following day, Jamie was offered a job.

Jamie started an Apprenticeship in May that will help him further his career in childcare. He said, "I am very happy to have found a job in a field that I really enjoy. I have always loved working with kids, but thought that as a male it would be very hard to break into the mostly female workforce. The staff at TNG was so supportive, and without their encouragement I never would have had the confidence to go after my real interests."

Jane Brade, TNG Area Manager, commented on his success, saying, "Childcare is often still seen as a 'female' occupation, but there are many men with the skills and passion to excel in the field, and Jamie is a great example. We helped him see that if he wanted to pursue this career there was nothing stopping him, and worked to improve both his CV and his confidence to give him a boost into the job market."