Case studies
Lauren was referred to Bury EST for support in finding part-time paid employment.
Lauren lacked confidence as she felt her learning difficulties were not well understood and she found it hard to apply for jobs.
Lauren worked with her Placement Officer who provided support with looking for work, applying for jobs, practising interview techniques and attending interviews.
Lauren was initially interviewed for a role at Home Bargains but was unsuccessful. However, following further discussions with the employers’ HR Dept, a second interview was arranged with the store manager. He was very understanding of Lauren’s needs and she was subsequently offered a position as a Store Assistant working 8 hours a week, with the option to increase her hours if she wanted.
With initial in-work support from her Placement Officer, Lauren has been going from strength to strength and has been supported further by a work buddy as part of implementing reasonable adjustments. Lauren is now working independently and no longer requires support from Bury EST. She is hoping to move into supported accommodation.
Comments from Lauren: “Working with Bury EST has made my job search journey a lot easier and I would not have been able to do it without your help. The interview prep I did with my Placement Officer really helped my confidence and put me at ease when meeting employers and having interviews. When I gained paid employment at Home Bargains it made me feel really happy, and even better since I have now passed my six-month probation. I feel the support I received from my Placement Officer was the right support for me, it helped me gain paid employment which is something I have always wanted”.
Andrew has a mild learning disability and was referred to Bury EST for support in finding paid part-time employment.
Bury EST has been providing employment support to Andrew for over 20 years. After his first job ended we helped him secure another position. The role lasted for two years but, unfortunately came to an abrupt end when the company went into administration, prompting Andrew to return to us once again for further assistance.
Andrew felt his confidence levels were decreasing and that he might struggle to find other employment opportunities. With reassurance and guidance from his Placement Officer, Andrew began searching for employment. He attended an interview with support from his Placement Officer and was offered a position immediately following his interview. To help Andrew settle into his new role, in-work support was provided until Andrew felt comfortable in his new surroundings. Andrew has since regained his confidence and is now a valued member of staff at his new place of work.
Comments from Andrew: “Bury EST have been assisting me for many years to gain and retain employment. With support from Bury EST I have gained employment; the work is enjoyable, the people are nice and I am very happy.”
Comments from Nick, Project Manager: “Since being introduced to Bury EST we have found the process to be simple throughout and suitable candidates were put forward quickly which led to an interview on site. Andrew started soon after and integrated into the team quickly. He has exceeded our expectations and is a real asset. We would certainly use the service again and would recommend a similar pathway to others looking for local employees.”
Billie came to Bury EST in July 2022 for help and support in finding a job within a small team and working more sociable hours.
Billie had secured paid employment in the past but was working unsociable hours and was working on her own both of which had an impact on her mental health.
Billie was diagnosed with autism at the age of 21 and was trying to navigate her diagnosis along with struggling with crippling anxiety that made it difficult for her to apply for any new jobs.
When Billie started at Bury EST she was very proactive with attending her employability sessions and applying for jobs.
In September 2022 Billie attended a job trial at Bury Equipment Store, Billie’s hard work paid off and she was offered an 8-week temporary contract which was extended multiple times, until April 2023 when Billie was offered a permanent contact! The permanent role was carved for Billie due to her hard work and dedication to her role.
As of June 2025, Billie is still working for the company and is a very respected and hands on member of the team tackling any tasks that are asked of her.
Comments from employer:
When Billie first came to the stores, she was a little quiet and softly spoken.
During the time she has been here at Equipment Stores, Billie has grown into a lovely, confident and happy young lady.
Billie is meticulous and well organised in her work, she now does the weekly mini stock checks, plus she has had full training and carries out the annual servicing of bath lifts.
When we hold our “Driver Stores Meetings”, Billie is the one who will open and close them. She is a little ray of sunshine!
Dan has Williams Syndrome and was referred to Bury EST for support in finding paid employment.
Dan completed a couple of work placements, and it was clear to see that he had a strong work ethic and worked best interacting with other people.
In April 2024 Dan secured paid employment, but the hours were too few and inconsistent, that he decided to leave his job and continue his employment journey with Bury EST.
In March 2025 an exciting opportunity came up for Dan to get paid to talk about his own rare disability to professionals through the Oliver McGowan Foundation. He now speaks to staff within the NHS, schools, social work and safeguarding teams, helping them understand how his disability has affected him. The sessions are used as an educational tool for professionals to gain a deeper understanding of disabilities directly from those who live with them, ensuring that what happened to Oliver does not happen to others.
Dan has done quite a few sessions now and his colleague, Leo, has praised him as incredible, and was amazed that despite being new to the role, Dan’s confidence and ability to engage with professionals make him truly impressive.
Comments from Dan:
“I feel Bury EST has supported me really well and helped me find paid employment. My Placement Officer and I handed my CV out and spoke to many different companies in Bury, Manchester, Prestwich, Whitefield and Heaton Park.
Kim, Matt and the rest of the Placement Officers have helped me realise how good I am at what I do.
I am really enjoying being a Living Expert for the Oliver McGowan Foundation”.
Misbah came onto our caseload several years ago. Misbah had always wanted to work in administration, through a placement that was sourced Misbah realised that this was not the right environment for her. Misbah wanted to explore retail opportunities. A placement was arranged for Misbah and this allowed us to monitor Misbah within the workplace. Misbah excelled within the role of Sales Assistant. The placement and the offer of a temporary seasonal role increased Misbah’s confident and her self-belief. Primark were advertising for staff online, Misbah was supported with the application and interview preparation.
Misbah secured a seasonal role and when the temporary contract ended Misbah was encouraged by the employer to apply in writing for a part-time permanent position. Misbah was successful. Support has been reduced and Misbah is a valued member of staff.
Comments from Misbah:
I attended BEST and worked alongside Sue who helped me with work search and work placements and supporting at interviews. I went to shops with Sue trying to find a work placement, I got a work placement at Boots for eight weeks. Due to it being the seasonal period, I was asked to stay on as a paid member of staff as a Temp Sales Assistant. I gained a lot of knowledge and experience with my role.
I applied for a temp position at Primark after my contract ended at Boots, my PO supported me with interview prep and support at the interview. I gained employment with Primark, and they explained to me that if I was suitable for the role then I could gain a part time permanent position. I secured this position, and I enjoy working at Primark and feel part of the team.
Zach commenced using Bury EST services in September 2022. Zach wanted to explore the possibility of meaningful and sustainable employment but wasn’t sure what area of employment he would like to explore. We worked together to look at different opportunities. Zach’s Placement Officer sourced 3 work experiences for Zach to complete, to enable us to establish if these were realistic employment opportunities for him and to also build on skills and confidence. Due to liaising with an employer in Bury Zach completed a week of shadowing with an established employer that works alongside Bury EST who have employed a previous customer. Zach started his employment on the 9th June 2025.
Comments from Zach:
After leaving college I enrolled with Bury Employment Support and Training who supported me to find paid employment. They helped me secure some valuable work experience in retail which has helped me gain confidence. I am delighted to have been offered a job and am looking forward to this next stage.
Customer A came to Bury EST and was skills assessed for employment down at our Welly Café. She soon met all her personal goals and moved onto the Employment Team.
Once allocated a Placement officer, we looked at building a CV / Cover letter together and then we job searched and applied for posts she was interested in. This was once a week for a couple of hours.
Prior to coming to Bury EST, customer A had previously worked within a kitchen setting however due to her anxiety and autism she did not find this easy and left her position after a couple of months.
Customer A soon began to be invited to interviews. This part was not easy for customer A due to her anxiety, so her placement officer was able to request further support during the interview process. Having an understanding employer really does go a long way!
It was not long before she secured employment within the school catering team, in fact during her interview it was recognised how knowledgeable Customer A was within this role and Customer A quoted “It almost felt like a formal chat”.
This young lady is now working Monday to Friday doing what she loves & most importantly she feels “Part of a team and is very happy at work”
Customer A
My future is much brighter now with the help I have received from Bury EST. I now love going out most days and enjoy meeting people and going to new places now that I have improved my social skills.
Customer B
Bury EST has contributed to me gaining more motivation and confidence to job search and reaching my goals.
Customer C
I have had some work placements which have helped me gain new experience and skills. I have become more confident in job interviews because of the support I receive.
Customer D
I enjoy my sessions with Bury EST and look forward to attending. I feel supported and my needs are being met.
Parent A
In addition to the development of skills required for adulthood (which my son is transferring at home) Bury EST has provided a safe environment in which to make and maintain friends and develop his social skills.
Parent B
Bury EST have great members of staff who work hard to understand the needs of individuals and to put in place support to help all customers who attend Bury EST.
Parent C
All the staff are very helpful and helped my son to secure employment which he has now been in for 5 years this year
Parent D
I have found any queries I have had have always been addressed in a timely manner.
Parent E
Bury EST has given my son more confidence and different experiences.