A PATHWAY TO EMPLOYMENT
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Frontline Make Change established our social enterprise Frontline Bikes in 2020 with the aim of providing training to people in the community who have been impacted by substance misuse, long-term unemployment and those emerging from custodial sentences.
From Prison to Purpose: Cormac’s Journey to Recovery and a New Career
Cormac reached out to Frontline Bikes shortly after his release from prison. Motivated to turn his life around, he wanted to return to education and learn a new skill. He had heard about our City & Guilds-accredited training course in cycle mechanics and was eager to get involved.
Providing a Pathway to Recovery and Employment
Established in 2020 by Frontline Make Change, our social enterprise Frontline Bikes was created to offer hands-on training to individuals in the community affected by substance misuse, long-term unemployment, or custodial sentences.
For many, including Cormac, a criminal record can be a major barrier to employment. Determined to move forward, he saw this course as an opportunity to gain both skills and experience that could lead to real job prospects.
A Structured Plan for Success
Our team met with Cormac and worked with him to develop a training schedule that fit his needs. Over the next six months, with support from our Bike Mechanics Trainer, he completed Level 1 and Level 2 in Cycle Mechanics.
In addition to training, Cormac also gained valuable retail experience in our bike shop in Inchicore – a key part of building his confidence and understanding of the industry.
Support Beyond the Workshop
Throughout his time with us, Cormac had regular check-ins with Frontline’s Prison Links Worker, ensuring he had the support he needed as he reintegrated into the community. Whether navigating personal challenges or planning for the future, that consistent guidance made a big difference.
Looking Ahead
Now fully qualified, Cormac feels ready to step into the workforce as a bike mechanic — and he’s already thinking bigger. “I would 100% recommend this course to anyone looking to gain knowledge and experience in bikes – it’s a great qualification,” he shared. His ultimate goal? To one day open and manage his own bike shop.
Interested in Joining?
Participants in our training programme can be referred by Frontline’s addiction services, other community organisations, CE schemes, or by contacting us directly. To apply or learn more, speak with your key worker or call us directly at 086 821 2790 or email [email protected]. Find out about our services here.
If you are interested in joining our training programme, you can get in touch with us via your key worker or by emailing us directly at [email protected] or calling 086 8212790.