Careers support helps Alex cultivate a bright future in forestry
When Alex Upton left school he was unsure what the future held or what kind of work he was best suited to – but ongoing support from Skills Development Scotland careers advisers helped him secure a permanent post in a job he loves.
The Apprentice Forestry Technician, 20, of Beith, North Ayrshire, first spoke to an SDS adviser during his third year at Garnock Community Campus in Glengarnock – but had no idea what he wanted to do.
After taking Highers in English and Biology, Alex completed a National Certificate (NC) in electrical and electronic engineering at Ayrshire College, Ayr, before taking a break from further education to look for a job instead.
Partnership working to support customers
He was referred by the local Jobcentre Plus to SDS, whose advisers are experts in career guidance and coaching, with an overview of all the opportunities available in each council area.
This makes them uniquely placed to support young people through the early decisions they make about careers and training courses while still at school right through to securing their dream job.
Alex received coaching from SDS to help identify his best options and they also referred him for a personal development course with the Beith Trust to boost his employability skills.
SDS Careers Adviser William Samson met with him last October and went over his CV to help him to identify his skills, strengths and possible career options.
One to one support
Alex said: “William helped me see what I’m good at by talking through things like what I was doing already, and what I did in my free time.
“He explained that practical tasks – like helping my Dad build furniture – showed my ability to follow instructions, plan and maintain things. I would never have considered those things as strengths, but it meant I could put them down on my CV.
“He helped me see that I had more to offer than I originally thought and that really improved my confidence and made me feel more positive about my future.”
When the Beith Trust course ended, further coaching sessions with William helped Alex to make more informed decisions about his career pathway.
In February he successfully applied for a two week work placement with Genesis Forestry, in Glengarnock, highlighted to him by training provider CEIS, and his excellent work ethic and commitment saw him land a permanent role there in March.
A new direction
He said: “Last year I couldn’t even tell you what I wanted to be, and I felt quite lost but so much has changed for me and I’m in a 100% better place now.
“I work with a great team at Genesis – there’s not a dull moment and I’m learning every day and building on my skills and knowledge.
“I’d like to push forward in forestry and maybe explore other outdoor work too.
“The support from William and CEIS really improved my confidence and helped me go from being quite uncertain about my future to knowing I have something ahead of me. It has helped me feel like myself again.”
Alex has already achieved his chemical spraying licence, enabling him to take on additional responsibilities and has also been nominated for a North Ayrshire Council Employability Award.
Opportunity grows into career
SDS Careers Adviser William Samson said: “Alex first met with me when he had been volunteering on the Geilsland Estate with the Beith Trust.
“We went over his CV and discussed what he was really interested in, and the idea of working outdoors came from those conversations.
“He has worked very hard to secure his job with Genesis Forestry and he really deserves to do well – I’m absolutely delighted for him.
“He was ready – he just needed an opportunity to demonstrate his potential.”
Genesis Forestry Managing Director Lloyd Brown said: “Alex has a great attitude, follows instructions to the letter and brings enthusiasm and a youthful spirit to the team and to the job.
“He excelled at everything I asked him to do during the work placement.
“Community partnerships like these enable us to grow our staff organically and give young people an opportunity to work in forestry.”
The support given to Alex by William is part of the free expert advice from SDS available to anyone looking for help to make learning and career decisions.
SDS delivers career information, advice and guidance services in schools, in SDS centres and in community venues across Scotland, through its freephone helpline 0800 917 8000 and online at My World of Work.