Darren Iveson first came to Five Lamps in March 2010, when he attended an Entry to Employment (e2e) programme following a series of negative issues looking for employment, which affected his confidence and self-esteem.
After leaving the programme Darren spent a number of months looking for employment yet again and was unfortunately unsuccessful.
In June 2011 Darren joined Five Lamps’ Get On In Life (GOIL) project and had regular appointments with Anne Rookes, Five Lamps’ GOIL Advisor, who supported him to carry out job searches, look at training and employment opportunities and spend time preparing for possible employment. Darren attended training sessions in Health and Safety at Work and looked at questions and answers in possible interview situations.
Five Lamps run GOIL on behalf of Stockton Council to support young people aged 14 -19 who are not In Education, Employment or Training (NEET). Five Lamps works with young people to re-engage them in learning, training and employment. GOIL is funded by the European Social Fund (ESF).
In August 2011 Darren was given the opportunity to attend K D Flavells Welding Specialists as a machinist on a temporary basis, so the company could assess his suitability for the role. Darren settled into the training very well and was offered a permanent position as an Apprentice Machinist. Darren started his apprenticeship in September 2011 and attends Middlesbrough College 1 day a week to complete theory work. Darren is contacted on a regular basis to check his progress.
Darren has just been on his first holiday abroad with his friends and he said
“If it wasn’t for the help and support from Five Lamps and the GOIL project, this would definitely not have happened.”
Anne said
“It’s really rewarding to see Darren doing so well. He is aware that he can contact me at any time as Five Lamps always provide on-going support to their young people”