Kashmire developed an interest in the Civil Service during his time completing his degree. Thanks to some encouragement from his Work Coach, Kashmire decided to join our Civil Service course during his search for employment. After finding that the course helped develop knowledge of customer service, Kashmire went on to secure a role as a Commonwealth Games Legacy Project Officer, and we wish him the best of luck! Read on to hear more from Kashmire!
What were you doing before you started the programme?
Previously, I attended Sheffield Hallam University where I completed a Politics Degree. I worked as an Event Steward during this time mainly at football stadiums, at music concerts during summer months, and other events ranging from New Year’s Eve celebrations in London to Formula 1 at Silverstone. It was this experience that sparked my interest in events. After completing my Degree, the pandemic hit, and it was difficult to find work.
I secured a job in 2020 as an Administrator for the Birmingham Commonwealth Games in the Ceremonies, Culture and Queen’s Baton Relay Division, which lasted for two years. My role was to provide day-to-day administrative support across the Division including the Cultural Festival, the team who ran the CWG Learning Programme and Baton Relay. It was an interesting and varied role with involvement in lots of projects. I was job hunting before I started the programme with Release Potential.
How did you find out about the training?
I received a notice in my UC Journal about the training. My Work Coach, Michael at Molineux House Jobcentre encouraged me to take the course and gave me some further insight into it.
Why did you decide to join?
Things had been a bit slow before Christmas, and I wanted to do something productive at the start of 2023. I also had an interest in the Civil Service which was established during my Degree. I knew a few people working in Civil Service roles in Wolverhampton within the Department for Levelling Up and was aware of the type of opportunities that they had managed to obtain.
What did you think of the training? How did it help you?
The L2 Customer Service qualification helped to develop my knowledge further and was a good refresher. The delivery team, James and Ryan were fantastic and made it super-engaging. Overall, it was an enjoyable experience.
The training opened my eyes to the Civil Service application process – breaking it down into manageable parts was helpful. I will be able to use it to good effect in the future should I apply. I was frustrated at being unemployed for three months, so it helped to boost my confidence. It was a good springboard, gave me an opportunity to focus and help prepare for whatever was to come next.
Were there any barriers or obstacles you had to overcome?
I don’t think so, I was just looking for employment. The course was a catalyst for me to move on and find work.
What are you doing now?
I’m employed as a Commonwealth Games Legacy Project Officer. My role is to give support to the Inclusive Communities pillar of funding administered through the West Midlands Combined Authority. This includes the Head of Legacy, the Legacy Charity – ‘United by 2022’, and the Inclusive Communities Grant Fund which is aiming to develop beneficial activities within the region.
My previous job as a CWG Administrator helped me obtain this position. I had also previously been a board member of the West Midlands Young Combined Authority (YCA) which gives young people in the region a strategic voice. I did this for three years and it provided an opportunity to get involved in the work streams of the Authority.
What impact has the training had on your life?
I met good people on the course, and we will be keeping in touch. The training put me in a good position for a longer-term career and has given me the confidence to apply for Civil Service roles.
What are your plans for the future?
The role I have secured is temporary, but I’m hoping there will be other opportunities along the way, or that perhaps it will build into something more substantial. I’ll have to wait and see. In May this year, I will be running as a candidate in the Wolverhampton elections to be a City Councillor. It’s going to be very competitive. There are sixty seats up for grabs and I’m hoping I will be successful in gaining one.
What would you say to someone who was thinking about doing the training but wasn’t sure?
Take that leap and go for it! Release Potential is a fantastically forward-thinking training provider as I discovered on the course. Taking part in the training you meet likeminded people, and the experience gives you a good insight as to what life would look like working in the Civil Service.