Keisha enrolled on our Restart Advisor Programme looking to gain skills in an area that her previous training did not cover, this helped Keisha push herself and develop her confidence. Following the course, Keisha has secured employment and is now focused on progressing within her new organisation. We caught up with Keisha to summarise her time with the course.

What were you doing before you started the programme?
I graduated from Wolverhampton University in September 2019 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Care and Health Studies. I had originally wanted to use it to pursue a career in epidemiology. After completing my degree, I couldn’t find any work and was unemployed before joining the course.

How did you find out about the training?
I was referred to the course by my Work Coach, Sharon, at Hemsworth Job Centre. It was her recommendation and she suggested it would be beneficial for me to participate.

Why did you decide to join?
I thought it was an opportunity to gain some new skills in an area different to what I’d been previously used to. This course seemed like the best fit for me at the time, as I hadn’t had any luck finding suitable employment in care and health.

What did you think of the training? How did it help you?
The training was good. It was quite fast-paced, and we covered a lot of work in five days, but I was able to push myself. The tutors were helpful and supportive, and we could ask questions at any time. The help with CV construction, interview preparation and techniques was very good.
The course helped to develop my confidence again as I hadn’t been getting anywhere with my job search. It was good for me to try something different. I also think the customer service part of the course was particularly useful and helped to secure the job I went on to be offered.

Were there any barriers or obstacles you had to overcome?
My confidence was low, and I needed to pick myself up. I wasn’t feeling good enough to get a job. I was also out of my comfort zone, doing a course in an area that was new to me.
I had to use an App to record my answers to the interview questions which I’d never done before. The preparation for the course helped me.

What are you doing now?
I start a job as a Passenger Service Agent with Jet2 based at Birmingham Airport on 04/04/2022, and I’m looking forward to it.

What impact has the training had on your life?
It helped bring my confidence back. I showed myself I can achieve things and work to deadlines with a short turnaround.

What are your plans for the future?
I’m interested in progression opportunities that Jet2 may have to offer. I may return to my original interest in epidemiology at some stage, but that is on the back burner for now.

What would you say to someone who was thinking about doing the training but wasn’t sure?
Give it a go. That’s what I did. What’s the harm, even if you don’t get a job straight away. It gives you qualifications, skills and helps with your CV and interview preparation. I would recommend it.