Philip Matthews - Basic Skills course
At 53, through his positive attitude and determination Phil got a job as a Sales Assistant at ASDA Keighley and in late 2010/early 2011, was promoted to the role of Security Officer.
Phil had spent a large part of his working life in the armed forces. Finding himself unemployed at 53, he was referred to Skills for Work for a Basic Skills course. Phil was unsure what direction to follow in terms of his working life, but became fully involved in his learning programme initially taking a placement at Keighley Training Group and becoming an active member of the learner forum. In April 2010 Phil started a 12 week placement as a General Sales Assistant at ASDA Keighley. The work was physically demanding but within 2 weeks Phil was receiving praise from the management team for his standard of work and customer service skills. Phil’s placement was cut short and in May 2010 Phil was employed as a Sales Assistant.
Phil continued to encourage and support other unemployed people on placement in ASDA who were also looking for work.
A vacancy for a Security Officer was advertised in the store in late 2010, Phil applied as he was very keen to take on more responsibility and make a bigger contribution to the store. Phil interviewed successfully and was promoted to the position of Store Security Officer.
Today he continues his security work in store and fosters good community spirit by going out of his way to play a part in the security of the wider community in Keighley.
