Liam's Story with Street League

When Liam left school at 16 years old, he was eager to find work but had little experience of work. Referred to Street League by Skills Development Scotland (SDS), Liam joined the North Ayrshire programme, hoping to develop his skills, build his confidence, and take the first steps towards employment.

Liam attend the programme and was immediately interested in the opportunity, particularly the football sessions that formed part of the course due to his passion for sport. During his initial meeting with the team, it became clear that while Liam was motivated to find work, he would benefit from tailored support to help him overcome barriers and prepare for the world of work.

Liam joined the programme in October and quickly became part of the group. Although he was initially reserved and lacked confidence in group settings, over the course of the 10-week programme he began to come out of his shell, build friendships, and actively participate in activities.

The programme provided Liam with employability support, practical skills, and opportunities to improve his confidence. During the programme, Liam secured an interview with a local employer. While he performed well and received positive feedback, he was ultimately unsuccessful due to strong competition for the role.

Despite the setback, Liam remained positive and motivated. The experience gave him valuable interview practice and demonstrated just how far he had come since joining the programme.

Shortly after completing the programme, Liam learned about recruitment opportunities for a new Nando’s restaurant opening in Kilmarnock. Encouraged by the Street League team, he submitted an application and was invited to attend a recruitment day.

Liam impressed the recruitment team with his attitude, confidence, and enthusiasm, and was offered a position with the company.

Today, Liam is thriving in his role at Nando’s and has received excellent feedback from his employer, who have praised his strong work ethic and commitment. The confidence and skills he developed through the Academy Programme have helped him settle into the workplace and become a valued member of the team.

Liam said: “My time at Street League was really great and beneficial for me as a person. It helped put me in a better position to find a good job. It helped build my CV and gave me skills that will help me throughout my career and helped my confidence. It’s made it so much easier for me to talk to and get to know new people. That has helped me work better as part of the team at Nando’s. The support helped me with both my work life and personal life.”

Liam’s journey shows how the right support, combined with determination and resilience, can make a real difference. From leaving school with limited work experience to securing sustained employment, he has developed the confidence, skills, and mindset needed to succeed. His story is a fantastic example of the impact that employability programmes can have in helping young people achieve their goals and build brighter futures.

Find out how Working North Ayrshire can support young people into employment by visiting our opportunities page.