A FORMER food safety manager, who was made redundant a year ago, has found a new job thanks to Bury College’s free employability programme.

Vince Parkinson, aged 58, from Westhoughton, enrolled on to the Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector (PTLLS) course after losing his job at Bolton bakery Warburtons last year.

He has now landed a job as Quality Assurance Manager at food manufacturers James Fleming in Wigan.

He said: “The course was what I expected and more. The tutors who taught me were a keen and inspiring team. They understood and put time aside to really help.

“Everything about the course was a positive experience. For someone who was out of work, it was the push I needed.”

Mr Parkinson will now work as part of a team that produces mincemeat, fondant, jellies and jams.

He said: “Many of the skills I gained on the course I have been able to use in my new job.

“I have delivered power point presentations where I have explained why we are doing certain things. Getting the message over clearly was a vital skill I learnt during the micro-teaching.”

Mr Parkinson was made redundant from Warburtons, where he worked as an Interim Food Safety Manager. Despite having more than 30 years’ experience in his line of work, he struggled to find employment after spending three months applying for jobs.

After visiting Bolton Job Centre, Mr Parkinson found out about the course, which has also allowed him to provide learning support to students and young adults at Bolton College.

He said: “I feel I have been lucky and would like to help someone else as I know many people were considerate of my position when I was out of work. Working with young people will give me the opportunity to teach basic skills such as reading and writing. It will be great to put the skills I have been taught into practical use.”

For more information about the courses available for job seekers, visit burycollege.ac.uk/courses/workskills.aspx.