Meet Scotland’s Rising Star, Jamie
Last week, Marks & Start alum Jamie, was awarded the The Prince’s Trust and TK Maxx and Homesense Rising Star Award in Scotland. The award recognises young people who have succeeded against the odds, improved their chances in life and had a positive impact on their local community.
Before joining the Marks & Start programme, Jamie had a rough few years. After losing his Mum, Jamie became homeless, couch-surfing with friends and family to get by. He had lost all his legal and personal documents after his mum passed and this made it very difficult to find work. It had been 8 years since Jamie had worked and with his own little girl to look after, he was determined to provide a good life for her and took that next step to get back into employment.
With the help of his social worker, Jamie attended a Taster Day to learn more about the Marks & Start programme – helping disadvantaged young people get back into employment. He successfully secured a position at the M&S Argyle Store in Glasgow through the scheme quickly became part of the team. The Store Managers were so impressed by Jamie and could see his potential to achieving a career in retail.
Jamie said, “The Marks & Start has taught me a lot and has helped me get back into a routine. I’m much more positive about my future and the programme has given me a much better mindset. I feel so hopeful again - things are finally moving forward for me and my daughter.
All the staff at M&S have been super friendly and I’m more than thankful to them. It’s been an incredible experience and I’m really happy that I took part.”
As well as winning the coveted award, Jamie has also been offered a role at the Argyle store which will start in April. Huge congratulations Jamie!
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