James Downward, Halifax Bank of Scotland Group

James ("Jamie") Downward, aged 16 from Speke was put in touch with JET South Liverpool through the Streets Ahead initiative that involves a team of staff from a wide range of agencies visiting houses to promote the support that's available to help people find work.

Following a careers guidance session, Jamie joined a programme called "Reed Discovery" that is delivered by Reed in Partnership, one of the Streets Ahead agencies, at the STEC training facility on Speke Boulevard. The Discovery programme offers a wide range of support including motivation and goal identification, business culture and job search. This helped lift Jamie's aspirations.

On completing the programme Jamie applied for job with the Halifax Bank of Scotland (HBoS) Group, to work at their administration centre on the Estuary Commerce Park in Speke. JET South Liverpool were working with HBoS to help fill the vacancies and were able to offer Jamie further support with practice tests and advice.

Following the selection process and an interview Jamie secured a job as a Data Input Clerk and is now hoping to join one of the Sales Teams. Jamie said "The Bank is a great place to work and the JET were there when I needed them most. Thanks to all the JET South Liverpool team in Speke!"