Groundwork
Manchester, Salford, Stockport, Tameside & Trafford

After being released from prison, Damien Smith’s Probation Officer told him about some unique job opportunities open to him with the requirement for applicants to have a criminal record.  He said:  “I’d never really heard of anything like Blue Sky that gives ex-convicts a chance before.”

Blue Sky is a Social Enterprise focused on helping ex-offenders to find work and operates in the commercial Landscape Construction and Management field. The employment that it offers is real employment, funded by competitively secured real income that is used to deliver real work.

Damien was offered a job at Blue Sky following his application, he continued: “I was expelled early from school and left with no qualifications. By working for Blue Sky I’ve now gained regular employment and it’s opened doors for me. I was taken on by Blue Sky initially as a worker for 6 months. During that time I’ve received help to rewrite my CV, learnt interview techniques and searched for jobs. 

After 5 months at Blue Sky I applied for the promotion to move into a new position as a Supervisor. I’m happy to say I’ve just been promoted! Because I previously worked in the construction industry for 4 or 5 years, I already had a good existing skill set.  I’m glad I’ve been given the opportunity - it’s made me feel a lot better about myself, to have people put faith into me that I can do the job.

The regular work has helped me pay off my debts and got rid of my money issues.  We were able to make last Christmas special for my three children and my girlfriend and I have also been able to redecorate the house.”