Kilmarnock man welcomes new year with new career

Jan 2 2009 by Clair Fullarton, Kilmarnock Standard

FACTORY operator Gordon Taylor is looking forward to a bright 2009 after embarking on a sweet new career.

The Kilmarnock man was made redundant after being employed as a Process Operator for 12 years with Rowallan Creamery.

Gordon was then offered a series of temporary jobs and he found it difficult to secure permanent employment resulting in him becoming long-term unemployed.

Then in 2006 Gordon returned to college completing an SVQ level 3 in wall/floor tiling but due to a lack of practical experience, he failed to secure work within this field.

Gordon is deaf in his left ear and has partial hearing in his right, this proves difficult when listening to instructions, but this has never stopped him working or trying to find employment, he doesn’t consider himself as having a disability.

In August this year Gordon joined the new deal programme, a service available through Jobcentre Plus.

This had a positive affect, because a few months later Rosemary Strachan, Gordon’s personal adviser, noticed a job advertised at Lomond Bakeries.

Arranging an interview was easy as the employer is committed to Local Employment Partnerships, an initiative aimed at helping disadvantaged jobless people through offering them a fair shot at the job.

Gordon undertook a work trial and a few days later was offered a permanent job as a despatch operative starting work last October.

Gordon is enjoying his job, he has made good friends and his confidence has grown.

He said: “The pressure is off financially and I’m glad to be back in full time employment. I’m very grateful to Rosemary at the Jobcentre who helped and encouraged me through a difficult time.”