Sam’s Story
Sam moved away from his family and joined us in 2020, aged 20. As with the other trainees who joined the same time, Sam’s traineeship was extended due to Covid-19, finishing in 2022. Following his time as a trainee, Sam became a paid member of staff, before successfully applying for a job as a Nursery Practitioner at Stramash Nursery in 2023, where he still works today.
Sam shares his trainee experience below:
Before coming to Outfit Moray, my family life was very challenging and I was working multiple jobs at once. My family werent helping me get where I wanted to go in life and I didn’t really know what I wanted to do for a career path.
I wanted to be on my own career path and wasn’t sure where to start but my dear uncle helped me apply for to Outfit Moray as he really thought I would enjoy it. I wanted to become to trainee and to try something new, as I was really into outdoor sports/activities, exploring, discovering and learning through activities and play, and still am.
I learnt a lot during my time as a trainee such as strengths and weaknesses that I never realised I had. I also learnt to better control my emotions through self regulation and be able to step back for a moment when I needed to.
I had so much fun in the outdoors in any weather and slowly learnt to come out of my shell and be my true self, instead of being what people think I should be or act like. I came to understand that the groups I worked with had challenges and barriers in life that I could relate to. I always tried my best to give advice and make sure they got the help they deserved, making sure they knew they weren’t alone in their struggles. Nature has a way of relaxing people and making them honest which helped me meet new people and learn how to chat to them and I made friendships along the way which helped me learn to trust the people around me more.
Before I joined Outfit Moray, I didn’t have anyone I could talk to about my problems, without being misunderstood, but they helped me learn to talk about my burdens and get them off my chest, and to be able to ask for help instead of trying to do everything for myself.
I currently work as a Nursery Practitioner at Stramash Nursery which I am absolutely loving as I work with amazing people that I have come to know. They understand me and have seen me for who I really and they appreciate me with all my flaws and quirks.
I think if I hadn’t had the chance to work and be apart of the awesome place that is Outfit Moray, I wouldn’t have had the amazing opportunities they put in front of me allowing me to explore and discover who I truly was.
I also think that I would still be working multiple jobs, living at home and not be in the best place. Outfit Moray helped me undertand myself better and showed me how to progress through life, so I could be where I wanted to be, and helped me discover what that was by showing me the choices and pathways available to me. I am very happy to have been part of an excellent team and friends that helped me find my way and who continue to support me even to this day!