sucraft
My husband has signed up with various agencies - is this the best way forward? Are there other ways of finding work, please? He has no qualifications, and has really enjoyed caretaking work and being a hospital porter
Hi sucraft,
Your husband sounds like someone who enjoys looking after the practical side of things for people, and making sure they run smoothly. People sound as important to him as things.
Before looking at the wider opportunities, let’s deal with the various jobs agencies you mention. Some are very good, but you need to keep on their case - constantly upgrading his cv so it’s fresh (add details that pop up in his memory from time to time of things that went well, and ways he contributed. A good one to look at is GreydientJobs.co.uk.
They are happy to offer help and advice, and specialise in work for older people. As does www.indeed.co.uk/Mature-People-Required-jobs. It’s worth looking at both part time as well as full time work.
Back to your husband’s skills. Although he has no formal qualifications, it sounds like he is pretty qualified at being thorough in looking after things - while enjoying it - and taking pride in his work. These are invaluable skills. People with enthusiasm and pride in their work are highly valued.
I’m sure he has already done so, but he should get as many references as possible from previous employers. If they are good, and it sounds like they would be, they will be gold dust in looking for a job.
Again, this may already be in progress, but it would be useful to put together a Job Wanted advertisement, to put on the noticeboards of the local doctors/library/hospital/ primary schools etc.
If you have a relative or friend who is remotely artistic, ask them to make it look as professional as possible. It could use computer graphics or be hand crafted – but try to give it some personality, to reflect your husband’s enjoyment in his work.
A final thought. With coffee shops losing many of their staff as Brexit increases uncertainty for foreign workers, it may be worth enquiring whether they are looking for a part time grey barista with people skills!