After several unsuccessful applications to Civil Service positions, Gavin was told about our Civil Service course by his Work Coach. Not quite knowing where his applications were going wrong, Gavin decided that he would join the course to get to the bottom of it, and even got offers from multiple applications he made after finishing the course. However, Gavin wasn’t done there, deciding to take part in another of our courses rather than accepting those positions! After finishing the second course, Gavin was contacted by our team here at Release Potential and was offered a work placement, which he accepted, which lead to a position on the team as a Learner Support! We are very excited and fortunate to have Gavin on board!
What were you doing before you started the programme?
Before joining the Civil service course, I worked in ‘tech’ for 15 years for one of the global giants of the industry, progressing through various roles. I started as a creative and music producer, working with software developers to design new general, music, film, and photographic software. I also trained staff on these new developments and initiatives. I then progressed to a technical support role and led a team of specialists who maintained and repaired equipment. Still working for the same organisation, I then relocated to California for three years and worked with the Siri and Maps teams. On returning home, I led a team of staff responsible for multiple Apple stores, ensuring everything back of house worked and functioned well behind the scenes. I left when the work became excessively stressful and was affecting my health. I was unemployed before joining the course.
How did you find out about the training?
I had applied for a few Civil Service jobs independently, without any success. My Work Coach at Selly Oak Jobcentre knew I hadn’t had any luck and told me about the training during a review. He recommended the course, and I jumped straight on it!
Why did you decide to join?
I was frustrated at having applied for four Civil Service roles previously and not being successful. I wasn’t sure where I was going wrong. Applying for Civil Service positions is not a straightforward process, and I thought the course could help me.
What did you think of the training? How did it help you?
It was breathtakingly good! I’ve taught people before at a high level and was impressed at how the delivery team were able to translate complex information into understandable nuggets of information. It was well structured and put together and helped me massively. After the course I applied for six Civil Service positions, two within the Home Office and the others within the DWP and was offered all six, and two of them were actually HEO roles! The training was so amazing I wanted to do another Release Potential course straight away, and I did!
Were there any barriers or obstacles you had to overcome?
Not being able to find work had knocked my confidence massively. I’d never been unemployed before and thought I’d get another role more quickly. The course helped me to break down those barriers and readjust to modern day job applications.
What are you doing now?
Within a week of finishing my training, I was offered a period of work experience for two weeks by Release Potential, providing support to a Returneeship course. This led to an interview, and I accepted a position as a member of the Learner Support team within the company.
What impact has the training had on your life?
The impact has been massively positive in lots of ways, including on my health. I have reset my goals and got my confidence back.
What are your plans for the future?
I’m focussed on doing a good job in my current role and want to continue with Release Potential. I’m also interested in different opportunities that might may be available in the future. I feel I have a variety of skills to offer the company.
What would you say to someone who was thinking about doing the training but wasn’t sure?
I’ve had this scenario quite a lot in my current role! I’m enthusiastic about the training and just tell learners my story and hope it helps to inspire them. With the right outlook, the course helps to get you into a position where you create options for yourself, and the Civil Service has so many employment options available.