European Social Fund (ESF) case study - Springboard Opportunities 3 - JobWorks+

Participant's story

This participant joined the JobWorks+ programme having been unemployed for several months.

She said,

“I contacted the JobWorks+ Facebook page. I messaged them and made an appointment with an Employability Worker. She talked me through my options.”

Struggling to get interviews

The participant found it very frustrating to apply for jobs and not receive an interview. After an initial meeting, it was agreed that she would benefit from one-to-one mentoring, support completing a CV and application forms, job searching and interview preparation.

The main obstacle the participant experienced was language barriers as her first language was not English. She had obtained Essential Skills in English, but required one-to-one support completing written tasks. Her motivation to apply for jobs was evident, but her level of English made it difficult to complete application forms without extensive support.

Sourcing training and qualifications

Meeting with her mentor on a weekly basis, the participant created her CV and researched job opportunities. She expressed a desire to work in Health and Social Care and enrolled on the project’s Health and Social Care programme, gaining OCN (Open College Network) qualifications in Fundamentals of Healthcare, Customer Service and Communication Skills. She also completed an Emergency First Aid qualification to support her seeking employment as a Healthcare Assistant. JobWorks+ also sourced external training for her in Self Care and Dementia Awareness.

Having completed the Health and Social Care programme with JobWorks+, the participant reported increased confidence and self-awareness. At the start of the programme she presented as shy and reserved, but became noticeably more confident, in particular when engaging with peers.

Full-time employment

JobWorks+ provided support to the participant with an application for a post in a residential care home, which included her attendance at a mock interview to help with her preparations. She was successful at interview and, as a result, was offered full-time employment.