For 25-year-old Andrea Walker, the support of her key worker was crucial in helping her into full-time employment for the first time.
After leaving school nine years ago, Andrea tried Skillseekers and college but has spent the six years since unemployed and looking for work.
However, after being referred to Routes to Work, the Cumbernauld was paired up with her own key worker and this proved to be just the help she needed to help her find work.
Andrea explained: “After I left school I tried Skillseekers and I was working for a charity but it didn’t work out so I went to Cumbernauld College for a couple of years. When I finished that I couldn’t find a job and was out of work for a long time.
“I was looking for work but didn’t seem to be getting anywhere. My key worker Angela has been brilliant. She helped me look for work and she was the one who phoned up employers about jobs for me and helped me with the applications.
“A catering course came up to train for a job at the Time Capsule and she got me a place on it. I did it last year and although I didn’t get a catering job at the leisure centre out of it, I did get a full-time job as a cleaner and I’ve been working there since last October.
“I like working because it’s good to have something to get out your bed for in the morning, a routine. I also like earning my own money and having more money to spend.”
Aisha Jamal, 20, from Wishaw, had been out of work for over a year. With help from North Lanarkshire's Working and Jobcentre Plus she has now secured a job with contact centre services company beCogent. 
