Participant's story
Workforce tells us about a participant who joined the Path 2 Employment programme and how they benefitted from the support and guidance which was provided.
The participant joined the ESF P2E programme following redundancy to gain support with personal development, mainly confidence building and employability. Prior to being made redundant, the participant was in long term employment and had never been unemployed before. This situation caused the participant to have low self-esteem and they lost all confidence in returning to the labour market. They were also worried and anxious about the effects of COVID on the labour market and finding new employment.
In addition to being made redundant, the participant was also faced with the unexpected personal barrier of caring for two unwell family members, which had to be taken into consideration when applying for new roles. These personal barriers altered their proposed work plans and left the participant feeling even more anxious and restricted and as though they could not return to the labour market.
Developing a pathway
Workforce Training arranged an initial introduction meeting to discuss all potential barriers, and developed a pathway to help overcome each obstacle, giving the participant reassurance that they could return to the labour market with the right help.
They said:
"As part of the agreed action plan we started out by arranging training to help build the participant's confidence whilst also making them more attractive to future employers. We then organized a CV session creating a well-structured overview of their skills and expertise.
"Following this we met with the participant again on a number of occasions to discuss the various job platforms available to them whilst also assisting them with a number of job applications, both direct and via an agency."
Interview training and job offers
Workforce arranged interview techniques and mock interview sessions which included giving constructive feedback to ensure the participant was fully equipped to start engaging in job interviews. The participant was successful in securing a number of interviews but had to decline some due to salary and location. However, the participant recently secured a job offer which overcomes their barriers, both personal and work related.
Workforce concludes:
"Throughout their time on the programme the participant has been extremely reliable, showing up to each session and was very accepting of the support and guidance provided.
"We will continue to keep in touch with the participant to provide any support which they may require."
The participant commented:
“I always loved going into Workforce as the staff are all amazing and so friendly and also very sincere in helping anyone to get back into future employment. Nothing is ever any bother to them and they made me feel like family, there is always a warm welcome and a smile when you go into Workforce. I know I wouldn’t have secured my new job without my mentor who was amazing.
It was her kindness and belief in me that gave me confidence to go for different interviews.
I’m so glad I picked up the phone and contacted Workforce as it’s an amazing place and amazing staff”.