A former photographer has forged as new career with a funeral crew thanks to “guidance and support” from his local job centre.

Paul McErlean, 50, had been made redundant in January of this year before being referred to Bolton Job Centre’s 50+ specialist team.

He qualified for extra support after being diagnosed with autism and with the help of work coaches Farhana Youssouf and Amanda Burnett found a new job with Co-Op Funeral Care.

Paul said: “I am extremely grateful for the incredible support and guidance I received from the Job Centre during my job search and am thrilled to have secured a position with the Co-op Funeral Crew. 

“The unwavering belief in my potential from everyone at the Job Centre has been instrumental in this achievement.

“I would like to extend a special thanks to my work coaches Farhana and Amanda, whose exceptional support and encouragement have been invaluable.

“Their dedication and commitment in helping me find suitable employment have made a significant difference in my life.”

Gareth Taylor and Paul McErleanGareth Taylor and Paul McErlean (Image: DWP)

Together, they worked to improve Paul’s prospects for finding work and, on getting an interview, Paul was also referred to ‘Working Wardrobe’ for interview support and suitable clothing.

He said: “Additionally, I am deeply grateful to Shaira at ‘Working Wardrobe’ for providing me with a professional suit and offering invaluable interview tips.

“The confidence I gained from being properly attired and well-prepared was pivotal in securing my new role.”  

He added: “Having autism does make things a little more difficult for me.

“Your collective efforts have not only helped me find employment but also restored my confidence and optimism for the future.

“I am excited to embark on this new journey with the Co-op Funeral Crew and look forward to the opportunities ahead. 

“Thank you all for your outstanding assistance and encouragement.

“Your support has been so helpful, and I am immensely grateful.” 

Staff at the job centre hope that many more people will follow Paul’s example and will see for themselves the support that is available for them.

Farhana said: “Paul was determined to find employment and turned to the job centre for guidance.

“He diligently attended appointments actively searched for job openings.

“Witnessing individuals like Paul overcome challenges and secure fulfilling roles is incredibly rewarding.

“Being a work coach offers the opportunity to make a tangible difference in people’s lives, providing support and encouragement.  

“Paul’s perseverance paid off, he engaged with ‘Working Wardrobe’ to help support with some items he needed for the interview and in addition to this received some support with interview skills.

“He has always remained open to opportunities, refined his job search and never gave up finding employment.

“I am extremely proud of his achievement in such a short space of time, and I hope he continues to thrive.”

Job centre staff say they hope that Paul’s experience shows how they also have particular support available for people looking for work over the age of 50.

DWP spokesperson and employer adviser team leader said: “Jobseekers looking to move forward in their career will find the inspiration and support they need at their local jobcentre.

“Developing a relationship with their Work Coaches can prove extremely beneficial to set them on the right path, taking into account their personal circumstances. 

“Underpinning this our specialist employer partnership teams are working with businesses to identify, help fill their vacancies and put them in contact with suitable candidates.

“Our Employer Adviser team at the Job Centre works hard to bring a continuous variety of local offers. 

“This activity includes support for jobseekers such as Sector Based Work Academy Programmes where training, work experience and interviews with employers are guaranteed and we have recently supported individuals with their applications to join the DWP as Administration Officers and Work Coaches.”

“We see a significant number of participants move into work following the completion of our SWAP’s and recent programmes in collaboration with Park Cakes, Warren’s Distribution and Stateside Foods have been very successful.

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“We are also excited to be working with the NHS to run a SWAP programme to recruit GP surgery receptionists in September and we are confident this will be popular with our job seekers.

“We also continue to hold our popular sector specific jobs fairs and have a variety of voluntary work experience opportunities set up with local charities and employers. 

“We see these as an excellent way of trying out working in a particular sector before committing to paid employment and these placements can make a significant difference to an individual’s confidence, work ethic and future job prospects.”

“It is important to remind everyone that parents on Universal Credit can receive help with childcare payments, both when in employment and whilst on any of our training courses.

“In addition to the help and support you will receive from your Work Coach, Jobseekers can also search our DWP ‘FindaJob’ website, to check out the thousands of jobs on offer.”