When Gavin Fowler was furloughed, he found being out of work was a challenge. But after our North Grove care home in Perth took a chance on him, he’s discovered that he loves his new career in care.
Gavin Fowler, from Perth, was furloughed during the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequently lost his job. After a 46-year career in engineering and production, Gavin, 62, is partially sighted and suffers with vertigo, which causes sensations of motion. This made work in certain employment sectors difficult.
With weekly remote support from his Key Worker at Remploy, which provides employment placement services for disabled people, Gavin developed a new CV. “I found it really hard to adjust to being unemployed and out of a routine,” he said. “I didn’t have a CV and didn’t know how to go about applying for jobs. However, with support from Remploy I felt more confident that, with an improved CV and applications, I would be considered for roles.”
Gavin was open-minded about employment opportunities and when a role in the care sector arose with Balhousie Care Group, he applied.
“I was given great advice on how to complete the application – and when I was offered an interview I was over the moon. I hadn’t had an interview for years, but my Key Worker went through the process. She provided mock interviews in preparation, which was extremely beneficial and really paid off.
Gavin joined Balhousie Care Group at the end of 2020 but wishes he had started in the care sector sooner, saying: “I love this role and I hope I can progress to a higher level within the team, but for now I’m really enjoying being able to support people.”
North Grove’s Home Manager Kaye McKay said: “Gavin is doing absolutely great, he fits in well with both the team and residents. He is very polite and keen to learn all he can.”
