Liam Blakesley endorses work experience

Liam Blakesley

Liam Blakesley dreamt of becoming an office worker but the 17-year-old’s self-esteem was so shorn by a disappointing time at school and a period of unemployment that he struggled to speak to others – especially on the phone.

Practical Liam struggled with his studies at Holingworth Academy and was warned about his non- attendance. His disappointing qualifications hampered his job hunt but it was his total lack of experience that really held him back. Liam said: “Every time I applied for a job, I got the same answer: “You’ve got no experience.”

After three months of unemployment, Liam was placed on the Pathways programme at Rathbone. Supported by the European Social Fund (ESF) this scheme brings young people furthest away from education back into training. So impressed were tutors with polite, punctual and smartly-dressed Liam that they placed him on their reception desk.

Currently having his travel and food expenses paid, Liam has no reservations about work experience. “I’ve learned new skills which means I can apply for more jobs, confidently” he reveals, “none of my friends ask me why I do it – they know it can lead to better things.”

Linda Dean, Managing Director at Rathbone said: “When a young person has endured a difficult start to life and hasn’t been able to attain qualifications and skills, work experience is the best avenue to persuade an employer to take them on.”