Scottish Drugs Forum’s award-winning Addiction Worker Training Project (AWTP) has been running since 2004. It is a unique initiative which supports, trains, and prepares individuals with a history of problematic drug and alcohol use to work in Social Care. AWTP helps former drug users prepare for employment in social care through in-work placements and formal learning. Former drug and alcohol users are given the opportunity to gain supported work experience and a qualification whilst receiving a wage for the duration of the course. When approached by SDF, in 2013, the WEA’s workplace ALN project in Glasgow was very keen explore the possibilities of working together in support of AWTP candidates.

Since then the WEA have embedded a number of bespoke ALN learning sessions and within the AWTPs broader programme. These have included dedicated one to one support, one- off workshops on specific aspects of formal writing and short introductory ICT programmes. Over time, our provision has evolved in terms of its efficiency and effectiveness and at present we focus on two main areas of support:

  1. WEA participates in a short introductory IT programme at the beginning of the AWTP Programme. Tasks are designed jointly by the AWTP Co-ordinator.
  2. Later on in the programme the WEA provide a literacy tutor to sit in on session which focus on paperwork associated with the candidates work placements. It is an excellent way of understanding specific issues and enables direct and effective support.

Outside of the above, if candidates feel that they need additional support around ALN at any point during the programme, they are able to call on the WEA for assistance. Candidates on the AWTP have a great many things to deal with as they progress so our s provision is designed to help when required without obstructing candidates’ progress. Our partnership with SDF demonstrates effective resource sharing, enabled by goals and values shared by both organisations.