Securing success - Brendon’s story

Following redundancy from his construction role, Brendan joined the Restart Scheme ready to take control of his future. With the right support, he began rebuilding his confidence and re-engaging with the labour market.

During his initial appointment, Brendan met with his Employment Adviser, Wendy, who quickly identified his transferable skills and experience to shape a clear action plan and outline next steps. When it emerged that Brendan’s passport - his only proof of right to work had expired, Wendy made renewing it a priority. With funding from the Restart Scheme, this was arranged promptly, ensuring there would be no delays when Brendan secured his next opportunity.

The Restart Scheme provides financial support to remove practical barriers to employment, ensuring participants can focus on securing and starting work. From covering essential costs like travel, training, or documentation, the scheme helps make the transition back into work smoother and more accessible.

Wendy told us: “Brendon has fully engaged with the support available to him, attending regular workshops and in-house courses with our Skills Trainer, he has worked to enhance his CV, employability skills and has consistently participated in weekly job clubs to strengthen his job search and confidence.

“Brendon made the most of the opportunities available, connecting directly with employers, and attending several employer days. His enthusiasm and motivation to return to work made a strong impression on those he met.”

With the support of Wendy, Brendon completed an external course for an SIA badge to enable him to pursue a career in security work. The course was funded by the Restart Scheme, and through dedication Brendon gained his SIA licence.

Following this success, Brendan continued attending employer days, where his newly gained qualification and positive attitude quickly set him apart. He secured a role within the security industry and, building on this momentum, went on to attend another employer day - successfully obtaining a second opportunity with another security firm.

Brendan’s success demonstrates how dedication and a positive mindset can lead to meaningful employment outcomes. It’s a fantastic and well-deserved achievement, reflecting the impact of his hard work and commitment to moving forward.