Siobhan was keen to find work, and even wanted to become a Work Coach herself, so when she was told about the course and how it would be a good starting point Siobhan decided to take the opportunity and enrolled. Going on to become a Customer Service Assistant since completing the course, we wish Siobhan all the best as she works towards her goal of becoming a Work Coach or a Play Therapist!
What were you doing before you started the programme?
I’ve had various jobs to date, including working as a Retail Assistant for JD Sports, and as a Soft Play Assistant in a soft play centre. I did both roles for about a year each. I then moved on to become a Peer Educator for a company called Straight Talking Peer Education. In this role I used to help deliver courses in secondary schools to pupils about teenage parenthood, teenage pregnancy and child sexual exploitation as well as healthy relationships. I did this for about five months, up until the pandemic hit and the work stopped. Before starting the course with Release Potential, I was a stay-at-home Mum looking after my two young children, but I was looking for work.
How did you find out about the training?
As my son is under the age of two, I did not have to work and therefore did not have an allocated Work Coach. However, I was still keen to work. I was interested in becoming a Work Coach myself, and at a JobCentre appointment in Chelmsley Wood, it was explained to me that taking part in the Civil Service course would be a good starting point in acquiring the skills needed for the role. During the appointment, I received information and advice about the course, decided it was an opportunity I wanted to take and enrolled.
Why did you decide to join?
The idea of gaining knowledge and qualifications in the profession I wanted to pursue attracted me. I thought it would look good on my CV. The course itself was being delivered remotely which also appealed as I could learn from home.
What did you think of the training? How did it help you?
I enjoyed working with other learners on the course, sharing opinions and appreciating different points of view. It was the first remote course I have taken and the flexibility it afforded me as a mum of two young children helped. Current vacancies and links to employment opportunities were shared with us which was helpful, and I gained some new transferrable skills. There was also a guest speaker, Mo, who gave an interesting insight as to what it’s like to work for the DWP, and that it’s possible to work your way up into different roles in the service. I think taking the course and gaining a new customer service qualification helped me to get my new role.
Were there any barriers or obstacles you had to overcome?
The course gave me a good routine, and the way it was structured meant I could work around my children’s needs and still study.
What are you doing now?
I’m employed as a Customer Service Assistant for Utility Warehouse Ltd. It’s a home working role with flexible hours, which means I can interact with customers around my commitments. The role involves promoting the company and helping customers save money on their energy bills and insurance policies. It’s a bit like being a broker, we compare costs and offer customers the best deals we have. It’s going really well and I’m enjoying it!
What impact has the training had on your life?
It’s been a very positive experience. I know things I didn’t before the course and am better equipped to find work now.
What are your plans for the future?
I’m going to concentrate on doing my best in my new job for now. I would like to learn to drive, and when my son starts nursery, get an office job. My goal is either to become a Work Coach or a Play Therapist. The latter is a hospital-based role, to help children handle life events through play, and support the wider family concerned.
What would you say to someone who was thinking about doing the training but wasn’t sure?
They should definitely do it! It will give you the knowledge and skills to help you find work and move on.