Cory first came to our attention while still serving a custodial sentence. Having spent much of his young life in prison, he made a decision early in his sentence to use the time to create a new future for himself and his family. With a clear sense of purpose, he enrolled on a range of construction-related courses, gaining Level 2 qualifications in plastering, bricklaying, drylining, and mentoring. His commitment to change was evident, with Ella Callagher at HMP Wymott and the team at Novus playing a key role in supporting him during his time inside.
When his release date approached, Cory was determined to start work in construction and build a career that would allow him to support his partner and child. We Are Footprint met with him in prison to understand his goals, and from the moment he was released, Cory kept in close contact with our team. He worked diligently with probation to ensure all conditions were met and was ready to take on work as soon as the opportunity arose.
Shortly after release, Cory secured some short-term labouring roles to get back into the rhythm of work, and when a trial opportunity arose with Bridgestone, we arranged for Cory and two others to begin placements, with the potential for long-term roles. Cory’s performance stood out from the start and it was no surprise when Bridgestone selected him for continued employment. Six months on, Cory is still working with the team and continuing to thrive.
His experience at Bridgestone has been overwhelmingly positive. Supported by Tom Gallway, Jane Pickston, and Joe Keenan, Cory has felt respected and treated no differently from any other team member. The team’s understanding of his family commitments, even when they occasionally impacted his punctuality, has meant a great deal to him. Recently, Cory was entrusted to supervise in his manager’s absence and he undertook the responsibility seriously and with great professionalism.
When asked about his experience with We Are Footprint, Cory felt that he had been treated fairly, paid fairly, and supported throughout. He highlighted the ongoing contact from our Aftercare and Wellbeing Manager, and the regular check-ins from his Account Manager, as being particularly valuable. Even during weeks where everything was going well, he appreciated knowing someone was there.
The impact of stable employment has been transformative for Cory and his family. He’s passed his driving test, bought a car, and now has greater flexibility with work times. They are even managing to have a small family holiday for the first time. These moments are testament to how far he’s come.
Joe Keenan, his Site Manager at Bridgestone, speaks highly of Cory’s growth, saying,
“From the off, Cory was quite quiet to start with as he settled into the team. It didn’t take him long to integrate with the team though. Cory has done really well to the point that he covered for his line manager whilst he was on holiday and did a great job. He has been dependable from the start, conscientious and a team player. I would go as far as to suggest he looks at a specific trade or management role in the future.”
Cory’s story is one of commitment, resilience, and determination. At We Are Footprint, we are proud to have helped support his journey so far, and to continue supporting him as he builds a brighter future for himself and his family.
