The stars align for Carlos’ new role
24 Nov. 2025
Completing a course in event stewarding is proving a turning point for 45-year-old Carlos from London. Thanks to the
Restart Scheme and Ingeus’ partnership with Core Skills and
Crowd Master, not only is his difficult search for work over but he’s doing work he loves at star-studded music and sport events.
Carlos, who is physically disabled, speaks limited English, and has been out of work for more than a decade, found it difficult to find employment that worked for him. Referred by his local Jobcentre Plus to Restart Scheme Advisor Jermaine, Carlos was soon receiving much-needed support to overcome his barriers to finding employment.
“I stopped working in 2000, after I had my second stroke,” explains Carlos, who previously worked in a warehouse. “I had to stop working as the stroke really affected my left-hand side. It made finding new work difficult.”
After years of job hunting with little success, Carlos was giving up hope. It resurfaced however when Jermaine suggested enrolling on a course with external training provider Core Skills.
The week-long course not only equipped Carlos with the skills needed to undertake a role in stewarding at large events, but also enabled him to secure regular work with Crowd Master – a company providing security and stewarding to venues and events in London and the South East.
Damion White, founder of Core Skills and Crowd Master, says: “When I set up Core Skills, I always knew that the aim was to help people move back into work. With Crowd Master, I can give people the opportunity to move from that training into a paid role.
“The course almost acts as the interview. For Carlos, Ingeus referred him to us because they could see the potential in him.”
Damion and his team were able to secure work for Carlos at London’s O2 Arena, chosen as they were able to accommodate his needs. Starting in July 2025, Carlos has enjoyed regular work since.
Carlos explains: “This was a big step in my life. I felt really pleased when I started the Core Skills training and very optimistic that I would get a job. Together with training Jermaine organised as part of the Restart Scheme, I’ve learnt a lot and developed my skills.
“Since I started the job, I’ve continued to get lots of support from the Restart Scheme and Crowd Master – they check in on me.
“I enjoy what I do. I’m checking tickets and directing people to places. Just working in one place is really good as there are more opportunities for regular work there because they can support my condition.”
Commissioned by the Department for Work and Pensions, Ingeus is the lead provider of the Restart Scheme in Greater Manchester and Central and West London. It also partners with Serco, to support the Restart Scheme in Central West Midlands.
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