Callum's Story with Equal

When Callum first visited the Youth Hub at Stevenston Library, he was looking for guidance on his next steps. Through Working North Ayrshire's employability support, he found much more than that. He found confidence, experience and a pathway into employment.

The Youth Hub provides young people with tailored support, including help with CV writing, interview preparation, confidence building and exploring opportunities such as employment, apprenticeships and further education.

After connecting with the team, Callum joined the Heads Up programme, where he gained valuable work experience and achieved an SQA qualification. The programme helped him develop new skills and prepare for the world of work.

A key turning point came when Callum attended an Equal Reverse Jobs Fair, an event designed to help young people connect directly with local employers in a supportive environment. There, he met Laura Hays from Irvine-based social enterprise Thistle Help.

That conversation led to a work trial and ultimately a full-time position as a Warehouse and Delivery Operative.

"The support has really helped my confidence," says Callum. "Through the Equal Reverse Jobs Fair, I met Laura from Thistle Help, who offered me a trial. Since then, my confidence has grown."

Today, Callum is thriving in his role and encouraging other young people to take advantage of the support available.

"I would definitely encourage other young people to contact the team for help. The support has been top-notch."

Callum's journey demonstrates how the right support, opportunities and employer connections can help young people overcome barriers, build confidence and move into sustainable employment.

Through services like the Youth Hub and programmes such as Heads Up, Working North Ayrshire continues to help young people across North Ayrshire unlock their potential and achieve positive destinations.

Watch Callum's story to hear how employability support helped him take the next step in his career.