Case Study

A taste of success for Muhammad

5 Aug 2024

Finding a job can be a challenge for anyone, but 23-year-old Muhammad from Rochdale also juggles a hearing impairment. Although he was applying for vacancies, something was going wrong. 

“It affects me on a daily basis but I’m lucky to have hearing aids that help me, and I can listen and lip-read,” says Muhammad, who was diagnosed with a hearing defect as a child. “It did affect my job search though, where I was told to input my disability, the outcome was negative, and I didn’t get the job.” 

A former warehouse and IT worker, Muhammad had been unemployed for five months when he was referred to the Working Well: Work and Health Programme delivered by Ingeus in Manchester. Ingeus keyworker Dominique worked closely with Muhammad, sharing tips on communication techniques and disclosing his disability. She also recommended him to the new Health, Improvement and Progression (HIP) initiative, which enables jobseekers to learn valuable life skills, boost their confidence, and improve their health away from traditional office-based support. The course is delivered by the InWorkGM partnership with backing from the Community Investment Fund.  

Muhammad describes HIP as ‘a great opportunity to explore different career possibilities’. He spent a day at Rochdale football club, exploring the grounds and learning about health and fitness, and visited the Foodie Kitchen to learn how to make various dishes. A day with logistics learning company Mantra was a particular highlight as he got the chance to drive a heavy goods vehicle for the first time. 

After completing the course, Muhammad had a new-found focus in his search for work. Dominique found a suitable role and helped Muhammad to prepare for the interview. It was a success, and Muhammad was thrilled to be offered a food production operative job.  

“I have had lots of advice, time and effort invested in me and I am grateful,” adds Muhammad. “Dom has there for me whenever I have needed her. I have been given the opportunity of a lifetime that I will never forget. During HIP I learned valuable lessons and loved driving a truck.” 

Logistics is a field Muhammad would like to enter in the future, potentially with his new employer. “I’m working in brand new facilities, it’s a kind team to work with and the supervisors are very appreciative. I feel so relieved to be back in work; being unemployed left me bored and frustrated.” 

Dominique adds: “Going on HIP has made a big difference to Muhammad. Being in a routine, mixing with people and sharing experiences has brought Muhammad out of his shell. It was a joy to see him become more confident throughout his time with us. His sheer determination and never-give-up attitude speaks volumes.”