Chloe first joined Release Potential on one of our Civil Service courses before returning to complete a L3 Coaching and Mentoring course. Chloe first found out about the Civil Service course from her Work Coach and decided to join hoping it would help gain some new qualifications. Once completing the Civil Service course Chloe opted to make the most of her time searching for employment and joined our Coaching and Mentoring programme. Since completing both courses, Chloe has gone on to gain work as a bartender and cloakroom attendant, and we are very proud of her progress!
What were you doing before you started the programme?
I left school with a good selection of GCSE’s passes, then attended college and obtained a hairdressing qualification. I completed some work experience in a hairdressing salon, and then started a L3 Business and Management qualification but left for personal reasons.
I worked as an Abattoir Operative for approximately a year and a half, after originally starting work there with a Saturday job. I worked at Onestop Warehouse in Walsall as an Operative for about six months, until my contract came to an end recently. I was unemployed before taking my training courses with Release Potential.
How did you find out about the training?
My mentor at the Jobcentre, Mukesh, encouraged me to do the Civil Service course. He suggested I could use it to look for the administration/customer service type roles that I was interested in.
Why did you decide to join?
I thought it would help me to gain some new qualifications, which is always a good thing. I’m pleased I did the course as it helped me to move on and obtain the job I’ve got now.
What did you think of the training? How did it help you?
The way the Course Tutor, James, delivered the training really suited me. Everyone on the course contributed to the sessions and were supportive and helpful of each other. Achieving the customer service qualification also played a part in helping me to get my job. I enjoyed the participation in the course from guest speakers, and in particular, Mo from the DWP who shared his experiences about what is like to work for the Civil Service.
The on-course support to help with job applications was good. I wouldn’t know how to go about applying for Civil Service posts without it. I’m still looking for another opportunity, ideally in administration, as my current job is part time, and I need to work more hours.
Were there any barriers or obstacles you had to overcome?
Not really, I just needed to find some work.
What are you doing now?
I’m employed as a bartender and cloakroom attendant at the Gorgeous Nightclub in Wolverhampton. I didn’t need to do any additional new customer service training when I started because I had just passed the course.
What impact has the training had on your life?
The training has helped me to understand how to apply for a range of jobs and specifically Civil Service roles. It’s an in-depth process and I’m more confident doing this now. I took the opportunity to take the L3 Coaching and Mentoring qualification shortly after achieving my Civil Service course as I thought it would be a good use of my time, help improve my prospects and provide some further support while looking for employment. I have obtained part-time work now, but I’m looking for more.
What are your plans for the future?
I’m interested in taking an apprenticeship, ideally in administration or a reception type of role. I’m also keeping on looking for other Civil Service opportunities.
What would you say to someone who was thinking about doing the training but wasn’t sure?
The training developed my confidence and was worth the time I invested in it. I obtained some good qualifications and received help from a supportive team of staff to help move me forward. I would recommend it.