Lisa had followed a government training scheme and had worked in a factory before she took over 30 years out of employment to raise her family. Five years ago, her father-in-law moved into the family home and Lisa became his full-time carer due to his dementia. Unfortunately, he passed away in April and Lisa found herself unemployed with no real structure to her days. Lisa had no idea what she wanted to do and had no confidence after having left school without any formal qualifications.

Lisa then goes on to tell me that she had heard about the healthcare course that was being put on by Release Potential through her Universal Credit Work Coach. When asked what attracted her to the course Lisa states that “I wanted to back up the skills I already had with a qualification.”

Lisa admits that at the beginning of the course she “was a little bit nervous at the start, but Natasha, my tutor, and the support staff, Mark were so very friendly and understanding”. Along with their friendly support Lisa’s nerves quickly vanished after “…chatting and getting to know the other learners”.

Lisa was particularly proud she organised and held the presentation at the end of the course, and this is proof in how much her confidence had grown. Lisa was also positively surprised to find out she had won the daily quiz! But above all, Lisa reached her goal of getting a job by the end of the course.

There is no surprise Lisa’s ambitions still revolve around helping other people, in fact in her new role Lisa is working as a community support care worker. She loves meeting new people and enjoys what she does each and every day. Looking towards a bright future Lisa wants to continue working in this job she loves and furthering her knowledge by taking on going personal development courses.

When asked how she would sum up her time Lisa said, “it is an enjoyable, interesting, good course with friendly people, and I am so pleased I reached my goal: I got a job!”.