Learning training and work support
Andrew's story - Aldingbourne Trust (Work Aid)
The Aldingbourne Trust tells us how it
helped Andrew turn a hobby into paid employment
Andrew was a keen photographer and wanted to follow in his
father's footsteps as a professional. While at Aldingbourne he
happened to leave an album of wedding photographs he had taken at
the office. One of the Work Aid employment specialists happened to
see them and wondered if there was any way that Aldingbourne could
help support and promote Andrew's natural skill? The seed was
sown....
Two members of the Aldingbourne Trust met with Dean Adams, the
editor of Chichester News. They wanted to discuss the Work Aid
supported employment contract. During their discussion they
mentioned Andrew's amazing photographs and asked whether Dean had
any openings for a photographer.
Dean came up with the idea of Andrew taking photographs at the
Goodwood Festival of Speed, as a press photographer for Chichester
News. If Andrew's photographs were good he would publish them
in the paper.
Andrew was over the moon with this voluntary opportunity and we
completed all the necessary paperwork together. We held various
meetings on a one-to-one basis with Andrew, his family and
his support staff, and through phone conversations with
Dean.
The great day arrived. The Work Aid employment specialist
met with Andrew at his flat on the Friday and we made our
way to Goodwood Festival of Speed. Andrew had to sign in at the
press office and was given a press pack and pass. During the day
Andrew took photographs and rubbed shoulders with
international, national and foreign motorsport photographers!
Even with this voluntary opportunity, we continued to search for
paid employment. After an extensive job search we found out that
the Aldingbourne Trust had an opening. This was for a photographer
to take postcard photographs at the new Victorian Seaside
Experience kiosk on Bognor seafront. The following week Andrew
filled in an application and was asked for an interview.
Andrew was successful, and is now in paid employment taking
postcard photographs at the seafront.....!
"I really appreciated the support from Rachel Smither and Work
Aid in helping me find this job. If you are ever by the seaside in
Bognor, stop and have your picture taken - it's great fun!" he
says.