Before attending the Rangers Charity Foundation’s CashBack for Communities ‘Towards New Futures’ course, Andre Chuengwe was struggling to find employment. However, after participating in the 8 week employability programme in August and September of 2021, Andre has secured a job working for the NHS, something that Andre says has made a “massive difference” to his life.
Before taking part in the course, Andre, who is originally from Cameroon, was living alone and had a limited support network. He was finding it difficult to secure work and was feeling unsure of how best to move forward. Andre’s work coach pointed him in the direction of the ‘Towards New Futures’ course, a bespoke employability programme that offers tailored support to young people with experience of the criminal justice system, designed to re-engage them within their communities and support their aspirations towards positive destinations.
Andre applied and was accepted on to the course at Ibrox, where he gained 3 formal qualifications: SQA Steps to Work Award (Level 4), First Aid Award (SCQF Level 6) and a Mental Health Award (SCQF Level 5). After adding these qualifications to his CV, he was then assisted in securing a successful interview with the NHS via the KickStart scheme. Andre said:
“The course helped me with my CV and my confidence. The work coach at Ibrox helped me to prepare for the interview and assisted with the online tests. This meant I was able to secure a new role with the NHS. If it wasn’t for the course I wouldn’t have secured a new role.”
After the course ended, participants were invited to take part in a football match against Police Scotland, a CashBack partner, where they received course completion certificates. They were also able to celebrate a win on the pitch together! Andre said:
“I really enjoyed the football match and I felt like part of the team. The support and help Rangers’ Charity has given me has helped me so much.”
Andre has now started training as a porter for the NHS, a role which has allowed him to make a meaningful difference to patients while also improving his own wellbeing and prospects.
“The course and the role has made a massive difference to my life. I feel that I’m making a difference to people lives in the role. I can also save money now to go and visit my family in Cameroon.”
Andre whole-heartedly recommends the course to others who are struggling to find work. He said:
“I would advise people to speak to their social worker or work coach and get themselves onto this course. The people at the charity go the extra mile to help you to get to where you want to be.”
The next 8 week course starts on 17th January at Ibrox. If you are 16-24 and unemployed with current or previous criminal convictions, contact derekrhoddan@rangers.co.uk for more information.
