Stuart and VSL 'join' up to find perfect job

THERE was a very happy Christmas for one talented local joiner recently when, after nearly two years of searching for employment, he found his ideal role, working in the furniture refurbishment workshop for Voluntary Service Lisburn.
By The Newsroom
Published 4th Jan 2011, 09:41 BST
Updated 6th Jan 2011, 10:40 BST

Things may now be going well for 37-year-old Stuart Morrison, however this has not always been the case.

In 2008 Stuart left his job as a nurse to follow in the footsteps of his grandfather, a former master carpenter. However, due to the difficult market conditions, he found himself in the situation where in order to gain experience in his new field he was forced to work in a voluntary capacity.

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After nearly two years on the unemployment register, last October Stuart saw an ad for a contract at VSL, run through the 'Steps to Work' programme. Having been successful, he started with VSL in November, where his main role is in the wood work aspect of the furniture restoration process.

In the future he hopes to expand the joinery programme within VSL, allowing the organisation to take on more trainees and help more people find employment.

Stuart said: "I have been very lucky in that I have been provided with a unique opportunity to develop my skills both personally and professionally. In this current economic climate this kind of opportunity is very hard to come across and jobs, especially in any area of construction are few and far between.

"It is gives me great confidence to know that the management team here at VSL believe in my abilities and are here to support me," he added. "The experience which VSL has provided to me, and to the trainees in the workshop, is invaluable and I am sure will have incredible benefits for each individual.

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"If I am going to be honest the past couple of years have been pretty tough and without the support of VSL I would have been forced to give up on my NVQ and seek other employment. VSL allow me the time to attend classes for my NVQ and I can't thank them enough for their continual support and encouragement."

VSL are a registered charity who provide training opportunities for the long term unemployed and those on community service orders, amongst others in the cleaning, refurbishment and restoration of second hand furniture. Furniture is sold on through the Haslems Lane store and their workshop on Bachelors Walk.

All proceeds from sales go back in to helping those in need in the community.