Stephen on Interviewing National Director for A4e

This morning I arrived at KDS at 6.55am, I was first here and even arrived before Stevie Kidd! When Stevie arrived we went into the office and Stevie mentored me, we spoke about my confidence and about how I was going to conduct myself on my shadowing visit with A4e. Stevie has organised for me to shadow Gerry Croall, Development Director for A4e one of the biggest employability contractors in the world.

Ian, one of the drivers took me to the A4e offices in Glasgow. When I arrived I introduced myself to everyone and waited for Gerry to arrive. When he did he took me on a tour of the offices and I was then given the opportunity to interview Gerry, I had prepared a list of questions and I asked him a variety of things including what motivates him and what his values and beliefs are. I found this really interesting as I’m keen to learn from very successful people.

Gerry had also made time for an interview with Roisin, a university student who was looking to interview him and get guidance on her university project.

Whilst I was there I also had the opportunity to shadow the administration department and find out more about what they do. I also sat in on a teleconference between Gerry and rest of the A4e Regional Managers.

After lunch I had some pictures taken with Gerry and I presented him with a gift – a pen. At 2pm I left A4e feeling like I had learned a lot about the organisation and the great work they do.

I took the train back to Paisley, came back to KDS and was interviewed on my day. Here’s what I had to say.

Posted by Lynsey Mackay on 18 January 2011 in : KDS Training, Training employability

10 Comments

Posted by Lorraine Hart on 19 January 2011

Stephen you are a credit to KDS and we are so proud of your achievements. Stevie may have set up the opportunity but you went out and made a success of it, so very well done. You set yourself goals and objectives for the day and came back having achieved them all - a true professional! Well done.

Posted by Christine on 19 January 2011

Stephen it is fantastic to watch your confidence and communication skills improve vastly week on week. The difference is immense from when you started this journey and you should be so proud of yourself and the goals you have reached already. Interviewing Gerry was major step and you handle this with professionalism It is an honour to have you as part of our KDS team.

Posted by Edmund McKay on 19 January 2011

What a difference a few weeks makes, now that you have "found your voice" and become part of team KDS.

Posted by Sarahjane on 19 January 2011

Fantastic blog Stephen, once again you have shown great determination to do well. You are performing fantastically with KDS and we''re all really proud of your acheivement!

Posted by Anne Marie McIntosh on 19 January 2011

Stephen, we have never met but I have just viewed your footage and I must say I am very impressed. I know Stevie and his team and I know the great work they do but it takes really special people to take all of it on board. Some do and some don''t. There are winners and there are losers in life. From what I can see you have winner written all over you!

Posted by Lynsey Mackay on 18 January 2011

Sounds like you had a really good day and learnt a lot Stephen! I am really enjoying working with you and I think the whole team are already noticing a huge change in your confidence.

Posted by Steven Hunter Training Manager on 18 January 2011

Wonderful Stephen what a difference in you, your confidence is now there for all to see. Thank you to our employabilty partners A4e. What next I wonder?......make it happen.

Posted by Roger on 18 January 2011

Stephen, you set out to develop your communication skills. Well, from what I can see, you''ve taken a leap of improvement. Eye contact is much better, focus on what you what to say is better, and you''re making an impact on people. This is all positive stuff. Keep it going!!

Posted by katie on 18 January 2011

The ripple effect in action!! working on your communication has led to developments in so many other areas of your life and given you a drive for your future that is clear to see!! what a journey you are on! A4e will have learned a lot from having you shadow in their offices for the day! Positivity, Partnership, Progress - Stephen you are an inspiration in your own right! K

Posted by Tommy Gray on 18 January 2011

Stephen just watched your video footage of your journey today through to the capital, really thrilled for you as i notice a massive change in you especially the time we have spent together at the start and even the way you are communicating in your video the way you are standing and the way you are putting yourself across absolutely fantastic Stephen. And you are most definately Doing this with incredible style.

Add your comment