Nathan joined our Kickstart IT programme remotely with the hope of securing a role in using the IT skills that he gained on the course. Gaining the qualification gave Nathan the confidence to apply for jobs he normally wouldn’t. After applying for Kickstart on the course with the help of his tutors, he was successful in gaining the role. Read Nathan’s story below!

What were you doing before you started the programme?
“I’d attended City of Wolverhampton College for a public services course and then Brierley Hill CAT Centre to do a painting and decorating course, but they didn’t work out for me due to my circumstances at the time. I worked as a Warehouse Operative for Amazon for three months up until Christmas, but I was let go after having an operation on my ankle. I was unemployed before joining the course and was applying for multiple jobs.”

How did you find out about the training?
“My Work Coach, Mohammed at Erdington Job Centre told me about the course, encouraged me to apply and advised me it could help me get a job.”

Why did you decide to join?
“I don’t have many qualifications so the prospect of gaining some was important. If I did well, I was aware it could help me go for a Kickstart placement. The course was delivered remotely, online, which also helped me decide to do the course. I’d had problems with my ankle after an operation and I could study from home, so it suited my circumstances.”

What did you think of the training? How did it help you?
“It helped me to gain some new IT skills. I learned how to use Excel and how to create a website.”

Were there any barriers or obstacles you had to overcome?
“I had some issues with my own laptop during the course, but the tutors worked with me in different ways to make sure I could still submit my work and participate.”

What are you doing now?
“I’m doing a Kickstart role as a copywriter with an organisation called the Future Melting Pot. It’s an administrative home-based job. I had met the employer previously at a job fair and had been offered a role which I couldn’t accept at the time. It was by chance I met them again while I was on the course during an online event with employers and was fortunate to be offered the job again. I’m ready this time and am looking forward to it.”

What impact has the training had on your life?
“I’ve learned a lot of new things on the course and gained some new skills. I also met my employer during the course, and this led to me getting an offer of employment.”

What are your plans for the future?
“I’m going to be completing my Kickstart placement and will try my best to do well. I would like to progress with the Future Melting Pot if I can. If an opportunity is not available at the end of my placement, I hope I’ll be able to find another job using the skills I will have gained.”

What would you say to someone who was thinking about doing the training but wasn’t sure?
“Go for it, it’s really worth it. The course is quite intensive, but you achieve something that can help you. I’m more confident and generally more positive than I was before. I’m thankful for being given the opportunity to come on the course.”