Employability case study:
Partnership working
About the participant
"Ahmed" is a father of two children and is from an ethnic minority background. He had completed a master’s degree in computer science at University of Glasgow, however, he owed an outstanding debt of £2500 in university course fees and was unable to graduate until this debt was paid. Ahmed had no savings and no access to any funds to pay this debt.
He had been working as a door supervisor part-time in the security industry. This employment had been supporting him to pay his university fees, but ended at the beginning of the pandemic. The SIA badge required to work in this industry expired during this time, presenting a barrier to his return to work. During this period of unemployment, Ahmed was in receipt of Universal Credit and was finding it difficult to manage financially.
Ahmed initially approached the Family Finances Keyworker (FFKW) to obtain financial assistance to have his outstanding university course fee paid and allow him to receive his master’s degree and to apply for positions in his chosen field of computer technology.
Support provided:
The Family Finances Keyworker made an application on 17/06/22 to the Training and Support Fund to pay for the outstanding course fee, which would enable Ahmed to receive his master’s degree and continue his progression towards actively looking for work in his chosen field.
The long-term aim for Ahmed was to achieve his degree and to source employment in the IT field. This application was not successful as it did not meet the fund’s criteria. After discussions with Ahmed, it was agreed that he would be supported by his Keyworker to return to work in the security industry to earn the money required to pay off the university fees and then apply for roles in the Computer Science sector.
“I was really worried about funding to apply for my SIA badge as a security officer, but Glasgow Life assisted me through my Family Finances Keyworker. I only worked for 2 months as a security officer and finally moved to IT career through Gillian. I also collected a new Chromebook from Glasgow Life, which boosted my learning and training in IT skills.”
A further two TSF applications were submitted on 11/08/22; one was an application to pay for a Security Industry badge and training, the second was for a device to keep Ahmed up to date with changes and advances in the field of computer technology. Both applications were successful.
In addition, applications were made to the Money Matters Mega Fund, who provided Fuel vouchers, and to Carntyne Food Bank, who provided food parcels. These applications eased some of the financial pressure on Ahmed and his family while he worked towards obtaining his SIA Badge.
In August 2022, Ahmed gained employment with a security company. The role was 35 hours per week at a rate of £12.00 per hour. Following this, the outstanding university fee was cleared and he attended his graduation ceremony in October 2022.
In November 2022, Ahmed was supported to access employment opportunities with a large international information technology company. An online application was submitted and following a successful interview, he was offered a position within the company as a Computer Analyst. Ahmed accepted this job offer, starting employment on 05/12/22 with an annual salary of £23,500.
Impact
Ahmed is now employed in his chosen career. The transition from Universal Credit to employment would not have been possible without the help and assistance of the FFKW and access to the TSF Fund.
Ahmed also would not have had the financial ability to pay for the SIA refresher or training course, which enabled him to clear his university-related debt, obtain his master’s degree and subsequently to apply for positions using this degree.
There has been a substantial increase in family finances, progressing from benefits to employment. Ahmed is now employed full-time with an international computer technology company. He is currently studying for three further internal exams within the company which will allow him to achieve a higher pay grade and progress in his career.
Ahmed is highly motivated and keen to progress in his employment.
Outcomes Achieved
- Postgraduate certificate in Computing Science;
- Security Guard Training;
- SIA License;
- Employment in security;
- Graduation;
- Employment as Computer Analyst (permanent contract)
Partnership Working
Money Matters Mega Fund who provided fuel vouchers and Carntyne Food Bank who provided food parcels.
Glasgow City Council’s Economic Development’s Training & Support Fund was invaluable. Employment for Ahmed in his chosen field would not have been possible in such a short space of time without this assistance.