A DAD-OF-THREE has ended a five-year job hunt thanks to Hyndburn Home’s support programme.

Michael Grimshaw, from Fern Gore, Accrington, is a wood machinist by trade and was made redundant in 2009.

MORE TOP STORIES:

He was hired by the housing association after going to a jobs fair at the town hall and is working as an apprentice in the grounds maintenance team.

The 28-year-old said: “‘I was willing to do anything they threw at me – I’m over the moon. My girlfriend knew I’d got the job when she saw the big grin on my face. It’s a brilliant feeling.”

He added: “You’ve got to grab any opportunity. I didn’t think I’d get an apprenticeship. I thought those days were gone.

“I’m much happier now I’m back in work. The kids come racing to you saying ‘Daddy’s home!’ I’m a dad and I should be in work. I’m loving every minute of it.”

Michael is one of a number to benefit from Works For Me, a scheme to help tenants into work and training, run by Hyndburn Homes and six other housing associations in Symphony Housing.

Hyndburn Homes’ Elaine Embley said: “We are committed to supporting our tenants find accessible routes back into work, and This is a fantastic example of how working in partnership can help transform people’s lives.”