Case Study

Continuing support helped me settle into my first job

7 Jan 2025

When Khushal started his first job after two years out of work it proved to be a challenging time.

Indecision over which direction his career should take, despite holding a degree in business management, had led to his long period of unemployment, which in turn affected his confidence and self-esteem.

Through the Ingeus Pioneer service, part of its Central London Works Work and Health Programme (CLW WHP), he had secured his wished-for job in a bar but found the first few months difficult.

However, the Pioneer programme promises support not just to find a job for those facing significant health and disability barriers to employment, but afterwards as well.

In those early days, case worker Elsa supported him through regular in-work meetings and phone calls. She also offered career planning advice to help him see where his next steps might be.

Khushal, who was given financial help for his travel to work for the first month and with clothing expenses, has now found his feet. He says: “Pioneer has helped me in more ways than I could have imagined.

“This programme made me realise that you can’t always do everything yourself, sometimes you need extra support. I’m so thankful for their help in securing my first job.”

He contacted Ingeus after his mother spotted a poster explaining its services for people who have been out of work for nearly a year or more.

Khushal, who has concentration and memory difficulties says: “Usually, I try to solve problems myself and was reluctant to reach out for help.”

Caseworker Jordon soon showed how expert knowledge in the Pioneer team and links to local partners could change his life.

Jordon asked the Ingeus Health Team to arrange specialist support through partner Exceptional Individuals. It specialises in neurodiverse assessments and helped Khushal recognise his strengths, boosting his self-esteem.

As Khushal’s confidence grew, Jordon encouraged him to explore music opportunities and connected him with music production support at The Roundhouse.

Short-term goals were established to secure employment, starting with courses in customer service and retail funded by the London office of the Community Investment Fund, which supports education, training and employment initiatives.

Pioneer team caseworkers guided Khushal through CV updates, mock interviews, and applications for hospitality roles. He attended workshops and job fairs and eventually landed a role as a bartender.

“It might sound strange,” says Khushal, “but ever since I was a boy I wanted to work in a bar, maybe even mixing cocktails. I never thought it would come but now look at me!”

Jordon says: “Getting into work has been a major milestone for Khushal. The job market is so competitive, and being out of work for so long made it hard to compete with people with experience.

“Through the Pioneer programme we continue to support him and his story shows that anything is possible if you have belief, confidence and the right people behind you."