KEVIN’SSTORY
P E T-X i C A S E S T U DY Kevin Prior, aged 34, had spent his career working in kitchens until he lost his job as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. As restrictions started to be lifted in spring this year, Kevin wanted to improve his chances at employment by advancing his skillset before returning to the job market after a 12-month absence. PET-Xi was recommended to him on the back of a meeting with a specialist support worker, and Kevin participated in two courses that allowed him to develop a range of skills before submitting a successful application to work in PET-Xi’s new restaurant, Metropolis.
Support provided by PET-Xi Kevin was enrolled on the City of Culture course, where he was given insight into the city of Coventry and its values and received health and safety and first aid training as well as education on diversity and equality. He later completed PET-Xi’s Level 2 Customer Service course which looks at how to create a professional first impression, develop customer relationships and use different techniques when responding to complaints. Kevin also received guidance on how to improve his CV before reaching out to potential employers. Gary Drake, Senior Contract Manager at PET-Xi, said: “By taking part in these programs, Kevin has been able to upskill himself and draw on City of Culture values to make himself a very employable candidate for a range of industries. “He is an example of the success we have had in adapting to the changes caused by the pandemic as the majority of his support has been delivered remotely.”
PROGRAMME
CITY OF CULTURE
Gary Drake
The outcome Kevin has now secured a position as a kitchen porter at PET-Xi’s new ground-breaking Metropolis restaurant, which provides a life-affirming opportunity for unqualified young people not in education, employment or training to gain qualifications, experience and turn their lives around. It is part of the commitment to bring people and life back to the city post Covid and is based on the 2021 City of Culture Coventry Moves initiative, focusing on the journeys which begin in Coventry.
“The support I have had from PET-Xi has been fantastic. They were extremely helpful during a time when I was struggling. “The trainers I have worked with have always been clear and willing to help. “It’s been a challenge trying to get back onto the job market, and after almost 18 months out of employment they are allowing me to slowly get back into things.” Kevin Prior Together we work as one The courses Kevin took part in were funded via the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA).
If you would like to do the same course as Kevin we would love to hear from you! To sign up call Owen McKendry on: 07387 412 952 or email: omckendry@pet-xi.co.uk