Case Study
Raymond’s Story
Raymond was referred to us by Promoting for training and work experience through the college, he was with us for a month. When the month was up Raymond decided to volunteer in the kiln room four days a week through the summer holidays. He developed considerable skills working on th Eco Cooler and garden snails.
When asked why he comes to Crafts for Everyone, he replied ” It’s something to do.” Hoping for a more positive response he was told, “ There are plenty of things to do, like work experience in the leisure centre” (Raymond used to go for work experience in Newbridge Leisure Centre). Apparently Ray was bored standing by th pool, although he did enjoy helping with the play scheme. Ray also said that he would not like to stack shelves in Asda becau
se his sister had done that and she was bored.
Raymond has been given a degree of responsibility, opening the ceramic workshop and the consulting the work schedule for the day. If there is a job that he feels he can tackle he will get on and do it. He has learned about Health and Safety, the importance of wearing personal protective clothing and manual handling, recently he attended the First Aid course and passed with ease. Ray has also learned basic ceramic processes and can make an item from scratch. Recently he has trained in the process of mould making, which was a big step up for him, he is confident in his ability to produce moulds to a high standard. He uses various pieces of machinery such as the Blunger, Slip Pouring table and the Jigger Jolly Machine.
Raymond is encouraged to pass on the skills he has been taught to other students and has an aptitude for this. The skills he has learned have built his confidence to such an extent that he is able to pass on what he has learned.
Raymond is paid two hours a week to clean the kiln room, which has added to his feelings of self esteem.
That is why Raymond comes to Crafts for Everyone!
