A former army sniper who served in the Falklands in 1982 has snapped up a job in Chester just weeks after being made unemployed with the help of Sanctuary’s Pathways team.

Graham Langley, of Masefield Drive, Blacon, has gained a permanent role with food supplier Nichol Hughes Foodservice, based off Sealand Road, thanks to the support of Pathways coordinator Tish Calveley.

Working in partnership with Sanctuary Housing, Avenue Services and a number of other agencies and partners, the Pathways team delivers job clubs in Blacon, Lache and the city centre, as well as workshops and courses.

This year, Pathways has supported 633 people into employment or further training across Chester.

Graham, who served in the Guards Division for 14 years until 1993, was made redundant from his previous position in September.

Graham, aged 54, had never claimed benefits before and had never needed a CV, so Tish helped to compile his details as well as giving him interview experience.

The Pathways team helped Graham to find several weeks work with agencies before his permanent role.

Graham said: “I can’t praise Tish enough. From the moment I walked into the Enterprise Centre, everything was fantastic. Nothing was too much trouble for Tish. I was facing the hard prospect of being unemployed for a long time and thought I’d be just a number on a production line. I was made to feel like an individual with prospects.

“The help I’ve had from the Job Club has been unbelievable. I never realised that kind of expert, free help was there. Pathways are on your doorstep, so if you want a job, do get in touch and you’ll get free support.”

Tish added: “Graham came into Job Club with one thing in his mind – to use a computer to get into work. I’m delighted the Pathways team has helped Graham back into permanent work. Whatever your circumstance, please get in touch with us or come in and see us, as I’m sure we can help to find work opportunities or further training.”

Courses on offer to jobseekers through the Pathways team range from interview skills and confidence coaching, through to qualifications in english and maths.

Blacon Job Club is held every Monday and Friday from 9.30am to 4pm (excluding bank holidays) at the Community Rooms of the Enterprise Centre.

Lache Job Club is held every Tuesday from 10am to 12noon at Lache Community Development Trust on Hawthorn Road, Lache.

The city centre Job Club is at Chester Library on Wednesday from 10am to noon.

For more information call Amy Hill, Pathways team leader, on 01244 305548 or email amy.hill@sanctuary-housing.co.uk