Jimmy Discovers Employment

A Dundee man has set sail on a new career after receiving all hands on deck support from the Council’s employability service.

Jimmy Moran, 60, was previously a training instructor at Michelin for around 25 years before the factory closed in 2020 and has secured new employment as a ship’s crew maintenance worker at the RRS Discovery.

Dundee Heritage Trust (DHT), who run Captain Scott’s famous Antarctic ship at Discovery Point, were looking to employ someone to maintain the attraction and support the ongoing preservation of the vessel.

Jimmy visited the Adult Employability Service after a recommendation from a friend and with the help of the team at various sessions started getting interviews. Despite a few knock-backs Jimmy received constant reassurance and conversations about how his experiences were a strength.

While attending a job shop, run by the service, he noticed the position at DHT appear online and the team helped him apply for the role, get an interview and follow up with the trust about progress.

Speaking about his experience Jimmy said: “The support I received from the employability service was very good. They always got in touch with me when any job arose that they thought I may be interested in.

“I was previously working at Michelin and unfortunately the factory closed. I was looking for something totally different from my past roles and to be able to use my people skills, jovial personality and do something more fun!”

Jimmy beat around 70 other applicants to the job, and he puts this down to the support of council’s employability service who gave him the determination and desire to go for the job despite the barriers he thought he would face.

“One of the barriers I was thinking about was my age and another was the type of jobs available. With the support of the team however I managed to get an interview with Dundee Heritage Trust to work on the RRS Discovery. When I was then offered the job, I was over the moon.”

The RRS Discovery is currently going through conservation work to restore the 124 year old polar vessel and Jimmy is using his skills to help the contractors while also learning from them about their work.

Jimmy added: “As part of my job I do a lot of work on the ship such as painting, varnishing, building, cutting, sanding and cleaning alongside day-to-day general maintenance of Discovery Point. I’m very fortunate to now be in a job I enjoy so this is my plans until I retire. The way I look at it, I will always be a part of the history of the ship”

Ali Gellatly is the ship and facilities director at Dundee Heritage Trust. 

Speaking about Jimmy and the employment process he said: “We were approached by the employability service to have a meeting to discuss the role and find out more. We then went through the normal interview process with a practical element, which Jimmy absolutely excelled at, and we felt like a perfect fit for us.

“Jimmy is one of those people where he is more than happy to help anyone he can. The ship’s crew is vital but it’s not always easy to employ the right person. Having Jimmy joining us was an absolute win.”

Employer Recruitment Incentive (ERI) funding was put in place to further secure the role, purchase equipment and help the heritage trust towards the extensive training Jimmy received. 

Ali added: “The funding Jimmy came with was really useful for us and made sure he had everything he needed right from the start.”

“We would absolutely have someone again through the employability service. The feedback and updates we get from them are really helpful as well as the constant contact, knowing there is someone you can speak to with any issues.”

Jimmy added, “I would absolutely recommend the service for anyone looking for a job, they are very passionate about what they do, they are very considerate, and they will help you the best they can.”

Jimmy and Ali have filmed videos speaking about their experiences and these can be found on the Council’s YouTube channel.

Fair Work, Economic Growth and Infrastructure convener Councillor Steven Rome said: “I am very pleased to hear about Jimmy’s success in getting a job with Dundee Heritage Trust through the council’s employability service and offer my congratulations to him and everyone involved.

“His work on board the RRS Discovery in maintaining this important asset for this city is not only evidently appreciated by his employers but by me and I’m sure everyone who visits.

“It is clear to me that the employability team provide an excellent, professional and dedicated service and I would encourage anyone looking for employment to get in touch.”

More information about the employability services the council support people with can be found on the Dundee City Council website.