Dave had found himself stuck in a rut, experiencing many rejections while searching for work, so after hearing about the course he felt like it was the right thing to do. During his time on the course, Dave found that it helped him realise he could still do things that are worthwhile, which in turn gave a huge confidence boost and let Dave realise he could get out there and work again! Read below to hear the rest of Daves experience!
What were you doing before you started the programme?
I was made redundant in 2013 from my job as a Bus Inspector, a role which I had held for four years. I was looking for work, but as a single parent found it impossible to find something flexible to fit around my family commitments. I was successful in gaining interviews which seemed to go well, up until needing commit to evening and weekend work which I just couldn’t do. I have attended many courses but had been long term unemployed up until starting the training with Release Potential.
How did you find out about the training?
I found out about the course at an event at Yardley Jobcentre. I met Adam from Release Potential who told me about the training, and I wanted to do it! I just had a gut feeling it was right for me. My Work Coach told me about various courses I could do, but I wanted this one!
Why did you decide to join?
There were a few things that when all parcelled together, made me want to do it. After speaking to Adam and reading the course leaflet I knew I wanted to do this course rather than being told what I had to do. I was stuck in a rut and had experienced too many rejections. I needed something to get me going again and felt this was right. There were guaranteed interviews after the course with the Marriott Hotel Forest of Arden, which was also where the course was being delivered from. I felt positive about it.
What did you think of the training? How did it help you?
It was excellent from start to finish! It was fantastic, and gave me the kick I needed. I had lost confidence in anything I could do. I thought nobody wanted me. The tasks and activities on the course re-established I could work outside of my comfort zone again. It helped me realise I could still do things that are worthwhile.
A presentation about working at the hotel and vacancies available was made by the HR Manager, and we were encouraged to make tailored applications for opportunities we were interested in.
Were there any barriers or obstacles you had to overcome?
I was long term unemployed and lacking in confidence. The activities we took part in on the course were key to helping me realise I could get out there and work again.
What are you doing now?
I was employed by the Marriott Hotel Forest of Arden as a Storekeeper just a couple of weeks after the course completed. I had done this type of role before but for a computer maintenance organisation, not in a hotel setting. My work is focussed in and around the busy kitchen, booking deliveries and storing items such as consumables and equipment. I take deliveries for other parts of the hotel too. I’m also involved in some cleaning, and assisting other departments when holiday cover is needed, so there is a need to be flexible.
What impact has the training had on your life?
It’s changed my life. I was stuck in a rut, but the course helped me realise I’m still capable. With the course being held in the hotel I got to see and feel the environment. I could see myself working there…. I wanted to work there. The training gave me the impetus to get over the line. Sometimes people can have preconceptions when you’ve been long term unemployed, but staff in the hotel could see I was enthusiastic and flexible with the activities we were doing, and I think that helped too.
What are your plans for the future?
My job is going well. As for the future, I’d like to move out of Birmingham but still continue to work for Marriott, ideally in Cardiff or the Vale of Glamorgan. I’m from that area and I would like to be near my family again. I’ve always felt happy there. However, I need to wait for my youngest to clear college first.
What would you say to someone who was thinking about doing the training but wasn’t sure?
Just do it! Even if you don’t get a job straight away it will re-enable you and give you the drive you need. Sometimes you get told to go on courses when you’re unemployed, even when they’re not right. I had a feeling this course was going to be different, and I was so right. I’d like to say thank you to everyone involved!