Pendle man finds employment thanks to YES Hub

The Hub, managed by Active Lancashire and Positive Action in the Community on behalf of Pendle Borough Council, offers free support and training to 16–24-year-olds to help them gain employment.

Haashir Khan was referred to the Hub by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) in July last year. He had just finished college and was looking for support with training and finding work.

He was unsure about his career options and was lacking in confidence. He was also struggling with boredom and without any kind of routine.

When he joined the Hub, Haashir took full advantage of all the support available to him, regularly attending the gym, badminton and boxing sessions.

He also received support from New Ground Employment Support and on the back of that, attended the Basic Life Saving Skills course delivered by Lancashire Adult Learning.

He also completed Level 3 Emergency First Aid at Work and successfully completed a Digital Marketing course.

As part of the Hub’s collaboration work with The Prince’s Trust, Haashir was chosen to attend the Team Programme where he was given the opportunity to develop personal skills, including confidence building, communication and team building skills, as well as an understanding of self-awareness and wellbeing.

He successfully completed the 12-week programme, which also involved community projects, residentials and gaining qualifications.

He also gained valuable work experience at Star Print and has now secured paid employment with them.

In his spare time, Haashir volunteers at Gawthorpe Textiles.

Shunem Shamshad, a Youth Engagement Worker at the Hub, said: “It has been fantastic to see Haashir utilise the facilities and watch him grow in confidence.

“He was super enthusiastic the whole time, and his hard work really paid off. His success has come from hard work and dedication.”

Haashir added: “The Hub helped me a lot while trying to gain employment, as it helped me make connections with the Prince's Trust and Lancashire Adult Learning, which both helped me find work.

“While I was unemployed, the Hub helped cure my boredom with some fun activities and courses to bolster my CV."

Councillor Asjad Mahmood, Leader of Pendle Borough Council and Nelson Town Deal board member, added: “Getting young people into employment and training is a number one priority for Nelson Town Deal.

“Haashir is proof that initiatives like Pendle YES Hub really do help young people to overcome barriers when offered the right support.”

The Hub is designed to build the confidence, health and wellbeing of people aged 16 to 24 and boost their employability through skills training and work experience.

Pendle YES Hub is based at 39-41 Scotland Road, Nelson, BB9 7UT and is open Monday to Friday, 9am – 3.30pm.

More information about Pendle YES Hub can be found at www.activelancashire.org.uk/projects/pendleyeshub

 

NEWS RELEASE WRITTEN BY ACTIVE LANCASHIRE