Barry

Barry; a 52 year old unemployed male in receipt of incapacity benefits has taken part in Team East for Skills in order to access a short vocational course with the aim of gaining new skills and finding subsequent employment. Due to ill health, Barry is no longer able to continue with his current career so he has turned his attention to finding other employment possibilities that build on his prior experience and with Team East for Skill’s support, Barry enrolled on an Open Air Event Management course.

Working with an industry professional, Barry was taken through the steps of designing and planning an open air event, using communication, negotiation and team working skills to develop a fictional event offer. As part of the course, Barry was given the opportunity to become a member of the crew at a local music festival, shadowing lighting engineers and stage riggers for a full day of work experience and onsite training. This was followed by a voluntary placement at the live event he had helped erect. For his efforts, Barry received a reference from the Event Manager and Course Leader, a certificate of achievement and the opportunity to go on and help at several other local festivals.

It is now Barry’s aim to volunteer at London 2012 and in order to support him with this and assist him in finding employment, Team East for Skills has offered Barry time with a free Progression Coach.