thrive.
Haydens Story
West Lothian Council’s employability service, Access2Employment, is helping people across West Lothian take positive steps towards work, training and long‑term opportunities.
View Haydens Story
The team provides tailored, one‑to‑one support to help people develop skills, build confidence and move closer to employment. The service supports individuals at different stages of their journey, including young people, those looking to retrain, and residents facing barriers to work.
One young person supported by Access2Employment is Hayden Carty, who engaged with the service while still at school and unsure about his next steps. Although university didn’t feel like the right option at the time, Hayden knew he wanted a career in sport.
With support from an A2E Employment Adviser, he received guidance on career options, CV development, applications and interview preparation, helping him explore practical routes into work.
Through Access2Employment, Hayden successfully applied for a six‑month paid placement through the services West Lothian Jobs Fund, securing a role with West Lothian Council’s Active Schools Team. During the placement, he gained hands‑on experience delivering sport activities in schools and the community and completed SFA coaching qualifications, helping him build skills, confidence and employability.
Following the placement, Hayden progressed into employment as a Sports Coach with the West Lothian Community Foundation. The support he received through Access2Employment has helped him gain valuable experience, move into work and plan his next steps, including the possibility of university in the future.
“Access2Employment helped me understand my options and take the next step. Gaining experience and qualifications really built my confidence and helped me move into work.”
Hayden
See more case studies
Opening doors through education and skills
From early years to lifelong learning, education plays a vital role in shaping opportunities. These stories show how learning, training and guidance help people gain confidence, build skills and take their next step.
Opening doors through education and skills
From early years to lifelong learning, education plays a vital role in shaping opportunities. These stories show how learning, training and guidance help people gain confidence, build skills and take their next step.
Opening doors through education and skills
From early years to lifelong learning, education plays a vital role in shaping opportunities. These stories show how learning, training and guidance help people gain confidence, build skills and take their next step.