Hospitality course serves up opportunity for local girl

One-time jobseeker Brooke Mair was unemployed for nearly a year – now she is licensed to sell.

After getting in touch with Invest in Renfrewshire, Brooke, 28, took part in a hospitality course, gaining her personal licence certificate which allows her to legally serve alcohol, and received extensive barista training.

On the course, she also developed skills such as teamwork and time management. She believes the support she received to get the qualifications helped her secure a job as a waitress at Smokey’s Grill in Paisley.

Brooke says: “The best part for me has been the confidence I have gained to get back out there and find a job that I am happy in. I’ve also achieved new skills and qualifications which have helped me find a job.

It has been a great opportunity and it’s helped me achieve what I couldn’t before. I’ve now secured full-time work in a job I love.

Now, after seeing the impact it’s had on her own life, Brooke encourages other people to access Invest services.

She says: “If you’re willing to make the first move and seek help, you can achieve whatever you put your mind to.”

Brooke first got in touch with Invest through our Housing Approach service which aims to help support local residents back in to employment.

The Service is aimed at Renfrewshire residents of working age, who might benefit from tailored guidance and support, in order to find and sustain suitable employment – and not just for the individual, as the service can provide support to anyone in the household who is eligible.

 To see our Meet the Advisor feature, with Housing Approach advisor Tracey, see here.