Layton initially joined Crest on the Kickstart program in November 2021 as a Workshop Assistant, after previously being unemployed for over 12 months.
From his very first day at Crest, Layton made it clear to us that he had an ambition of not wanting to claim benefits and improve his current living situation. So, with this in mind, Crest provided Layton with a personal development plan, with agreed achievable targets to help him achieve his goals.
Layton enjoys working with his hands, and is a good listener, with a keen interest to learn and develop his current skill set. So, the workshop environment was the ideal place for him to thrive and develop.
Despite his enthusiasm and work effort, Layton struggled in the first few weeks at Crest with his attendance and time keeping, which is often the case after a long period of unemployment. So we focused on addressing these issues to help him having a better understanding of the value of turning up on time, and the impact his absence has on his employer and his colleagues.
Layton took our advice on board, and started to flourish in his new role, with his attendance and time keeping improving. Regular one to one reviews and mentoring, helped Layton overcome any perceived barriers or reasons for not turning into work.
Layton said he “I have a feeling of belonging at Crest”, and did not want to let his colleagues down, and has learnt to develop a strong work ethic as a result of working at Crest.
Through Crest’s network and good working relations with our friends at Bryson Recycling, we were confident in referring Layton for a work trial. We believed the time was right for Layton to transfer all of the training and mentoring he had received during his 6 months working at Crest, and to see if he could demonstrate the same work ethic outside of the supportive network at Crest.
Layton excelled during his work trial, as has since secured a full-time permanent position with Bryson Recycling.
Layton said “If it wasn’t for Crest giving me the opportunity to join the Kickstart program, I am sure I would still be in the same position I was 6 months ago, living on benefits. When I heard I had an opportunity to have a trial period with Bryson’s I was over the moon. I am so glad I have completed it, and will be now working with Bryson’s as a vehicle loader. I love the work and the banter with the crew, and will be forever grateful for the help and support Crest have given me, and for the belief Bryson’s have shown in me.”