Susan was interested in working in the Civil Service, and after speaking to her Work Coach decided to join the course to help develop awareness of roles in the sector. Since completing the course, Susan has started at a position in a nursery, and we wish her the very best going forward!

What were you doing before you started the programme?
I’d worked in credit control for a number of years. When I was made redundant from a position I held in 2017, I decided to take a Royal Horticulture Society qualification at Rodbaston College in South Staffordshire, something I’d been interested in for a while. I also did some temping work after redundancy. It was difficult to find work when the pandemic started. I obtained a seasonal horticultural role with The Potting Shed and was unemployed before starting the course with Release Potential.

How did you find out about the training?
My Work Coach, Charlotte told me about the course explaining that it would help develop my awareness of roles within the Civil Service, an area I was interested in.

Why did you decide to join?
It was an opportunity to do something to help me. I had nothing to lose and there was no point in not doing it. I’d had a number of options recommended by the Jobcentre, and my attitude is to accept what is offered.

What did you think of the training? How did it help you?
I enjoyed the training James and the team delivered. It gave me somewhere to be, and in a way, felt like being at work as it gave me structure and tasks to do. The morning and afternoon quizzes were good fun and a good way of encouraging everyone to contribute and get to know each other. They put me at ease before the work for each session started. I’ve worked in offices for a long time and had a lot of different jobs, but I learned new things. It was valuable for me, and I’m sure it would be for anyone.

Were there any barriers or obstacles you had to overcome?
I had some difficulties with IT during the course, but sorted these out, enjoyed it and completed everything I needed to.

What are you doing now?
I start a new role as a seasonal worker at Boningale Nurseries at the end of April. It’s a hands-on job working in propagation for one of the UK’s largest horticultural nurseries located on the Shropshire border.

What impact has the training had on your life?
For me, being out of work and the impact of the pandemic took away some of my confidence. Being at home can make you think you don’t want to go out. I actually completed two courses with Release Potential and they both made a positive difference and helped me to communicate with people again.

What are your plans for the future?
I’m looking forward to my role at Boningale which will take me through to November. I will learn while I’m in post and there might be the possibility of other opportunities that come about while I’m there. I’m going to see where it takes me.

What would you say to someone who was thinking about doing the training but wasn’t sure?
I would say to definitely do it, the course was excellent. It helped to increase my confidence and was a good way to engage with other people. I also met some lovely people on the course.