The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
‘I find my job so very rewarding’
CASE STUDY
KERRY LOUGHINS, YOUTH EMPLOYABILITY WORK COACH IN BATHGATE
KERRY LOUGHINS is passionate about her job.
She gives extra support to under-25s, helping them overcome difficulties like not having any work history, being ex-offenders, lone parents or having a health condition, all of which might present extra challenges to finding suitable work. It’s a new role, set up in response to the pandemic but she’s been with the department for 11 years.
“I have the luxury of spending more time with that person,” she says. “It’s important for young people to understand when they come here that no two folk are the same, it’s about what they need right now.”
Kerry also stays in touch for the first six weeks of starting work – another new addition which she says is “worth its weight in gold.”
One young person she supported struggled with time – their autism meant they had little concept of how a day should be set out – so she helped get an app set up on his watch to remind him when to do things like getting up, or leaving home to get the bus.
“I’m not a miracle worker but I can make a difference,” she says. “I like to think I am on the level with claimants. I have been out of work myself.”
She is frustrated at the negative perception some have of the jobcentre. “I’m very proud to do the work I do, I know I’ve done right by every single customer.”
It’s not Kerry’s only job – she’s also a beauty therapist, but she won’t give it up.
“It’s not about the money, I really love the reward I get from the job.”