A Cumbernauld man is ready to set sparks flying after receiving help to set up his own business from North Lanarkshire’s Working
Bill Ledingham spent 12 years on Incapacity Benefit after injuring his back in a workplace accident. Last summer, he decided that he was ready to get back to work and visited his local Job Centre Plus to find out more about becoming a self-employed electrician.
Bill, 54, said: “I was really keen to start working as an electrician again, but I just didn’t know where to start. The Jobcentre Plus staff were fantastic – they had a lot of useful practical advice.”
He soon found himself attending Motherwell College to learn about advances in the electrical trade and regain certification as a qualified electrician.
Bill also received help to source some of the money he needed to buy vital tools and equipment, and advice on technical issues such as tax credits.
Bill explained: “Once I’d got my certification and had the tools I’d need, the Job Centre helped me to apply for the Test Trading programme. This meant I was working on my own, but I still had the safety net of receiving some benefit money. It was the ideal way to gain experience and confidence in my abilities.”
With the six-month Test Trading period now behind him, Bill is now the owner of his own business, BL Electrical.
Bill added: “I’ve already built up a lot of contacts and loyal customers, and it feels great to be working again.”
