How our Community Employment Team helped Craig sweep up

The start of your new career could be just a social media scroll away as Craig found out when he began his journey with our Community Employment Team. 

Craig was looking for a role that would allow him to work more independently and give him a better work-life balance. Already working in the stove and fireplace industry, he’d seen a clear opportunity in chimney sweeping.  

He was motivated to build something of his own, but the cost of gaining the right professional qualifications was holding him back. That changed when Craig came across a post about our support on social media. He decided to explore his options and arranged a call with Kerry, our Community Employment Advisor – Self Employment.

Craig said: “I was already working in the stove and fireplace industry, and I knew there was an opportunity in chimney sweeping. After seeing the post on social media, I researched the courses available and found the one that would give me Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps accreditation. 

“I had a call with Kerry to discuss what my plans would be if I got a grant and completed the course. Right from that first conversation, she was amazing. She helped me focus on my ambitions and really challenged me to think through my business idea properly.” 

Kerry reviewed the information Craig provided and saw that he was a strong candidate for grant funding. Within weeks, he had access to the support he needed to enrol on his professional chimney sweeping course. 

The grant covered the cost of the training, removing the financial pressure that would otherwise have made it difficult for Craig to take that step. The course itself was intensive and demanding, and Craig completed it alongside his full-time job, successfully achieving his Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps accreditation, the industry gold standard. 

But the hard work didn’t stop there. After qualifying, Craig invested in his own tools and equipment and launched his business, Sweepitup.

He’s since been working hard to grow his fledgling venture, including delivering leaflets door-to-door in the local community to promote his services and build his customer base from the ground up. Throughout the process, Kerry continued to check in, offer guidance and provide encouragement, ensuring Craig had the right foundations in place to turn his qualification into a sustainable self-employed career. 

Craig said: “Since completing the course and launching Sweepitup, my work life has improved significantly. I’ve now got the skills and accreditation to take on more flexible, self-directed work. 

“My stress levels have reduced, and I can plan work around my personal life rather than the other way around. Having a clearer direction and improved earning potential has brought real peace of mind. 

“The support from Vico Homes has made a huge difference. Kerry gave me the confidence to move forward with something I’d already identified as an opportunity, and I’m extremely grateful for that support.” 

Kerry added: “Craig came to us with a clear idea and strong motivation. He’s worked incredibly hard to achieve his accreditation and get his business off the ground. I’m really proud of what he’s achieved and excited to see Sweepitup continue to grow.” 

If Craig’s story has inspired you and you’re thinking about becoming self-employed, or you’d simply like some general self-employment advice, get in touch with Kerry at [email protected].