A North Ayrshire teenager has praised the employability support that helped him build his confidence and secure a full-time job.
Callum Stevenston, 19, first contacted North Ayrshire Council’s Working North Ayrshire service after visiting the Youth Hub at Stevenston Library.
The hub, which opened in 2024, supports young people who are considering employment, college or an apprenticeship. It provides services including career guidance, CV workshops, communication support and interview preparation.
A North Ayrshire teenager has praised the employability support that helped him build his confidence and secure a full-time job.
Callum Stevenston, 19, first contacted North Ayrshire Council’s Working North Ayrshire service after visiting the Youth Hub at Stevenston Library.
The hub, which opened in 2024, supports young people who are considering employment, college or an apprenticeship. It provides services including career guidance, CV workshops, communication support and interview preparation.
Callum, from Dreghorn, was referred to Working North Ayrshire’s Equal programme, which helps people with disabilities and long-term health conditions move into employment and training.
He then completed Heads Up, a 13-week work experience programme that combines sector-based experience with the opportunity to gain an SQA qualification.
Callum went on to secure a full-time position as a warehouse and delivery operative with Irvine-based Thistle Help, a company specialising in mobility aids and equipment designed to help people maintain their independence.
His role includes deliveries, repairs, processing orders and providing support on the sales floor.
Callum said: “The support has really helped my confidence and I was able to get a job through an Equal Reverse Jobs Fair, which is where lots of different companies come and talk to young people and try to get them involved with their companies.
“Luckily enough, Laura Hays, who is a director at Thistle Help, came along and asked if I would like a week’s trial.
“Since then, my confidence has grown and I have been going out to people’s houses to repair their wheelchairs, powerchairs and scooters.”
North Ayrshire Council said the Equal programme supports its commitment to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, including the right of children and young people with disabilities to enjoy the best possible life in society.
Councillor Margaret Johnson, Cabinet Member for Education and Young People, said: “Helping young people like Callum to thrive and make the most of their lives is exactly what the UNCRC is all about.
“I am delighted to see that our employability experts, in partnership with local companies such as Thistle Help, are offering young people different pathways to success.
“I wish Callum all the best for his future.”
Callum was also runner-up in the Young Person of the Year category at the council’s Employability Awards in 2025.
He added: “I would, one hundred per cent, definitely advise other young people to contact the team for help. I was able to get a job within two or three months.
“I have been getting support from the council’s Employability service since I was 17 and it has been top-notch.”
Callum, from Dreghorn, was referred to Working North Ayrshire’s Equal programme, which helps people with disabilities and long-term health conditions move into employment and training.
He then completed Heads Up, a 13-week work experience programme that combines sector-based experience with the opportunity to gain an SQA qualification.
Callum went on to secure a full-time position as a warehouse and delivery operative with Irvine-based Thistle Help, a company specialising in mobility aids and equipment designed to help people maintain their independence.
His role includes deliveries, repairs, processing orders and providing support on the sales floor.
Callum said: “The support has really helped my confidence and I was able to get a job through an Equal Reverse Jobs Fair, which is where lots of different companies come and talk to young people and try to get them involved with their companies.
“Luckily enough, Laura Hays, who is a director at Thistle Help, came along and asked if I would like a week’s trial.
“Since then, my confidence has grown and I have been going out to people’s houses to repair their wheelchairs, powerchairs and scooters.”
North Ayrshire Council said the Equal programme supports its commitment to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, including the right of children and young people with disabilities to enjoy the best possible life in society.
Councillor Margaret Johnson, Cabinet Member for Education and Young People, said: “Helping young people like Callum to thrive and make the most of their lives is exactly what the UNCRC is all about.
“I am delighted to see that our employability experts, in partnership with local companies such as Thistle Help, are offering young people different pathways to success.
“I wish Callum all the best for his future.”
Callum was also runner-up in the Young Person of the Year category at the council’s Employability Awards in 2025.
He added: “I would, one hundred per cent, definitely advise other young people to contact the team for help. I was able to get a job within two or three months.
“I have been getting support from the council’s Employability service since I was 17 and it has been top-notch.”