Lee Tumilty – Blyth Returneeship

Lee was previously employed as a welder and fabricator before becoming a carer for several years prior to joining the course. Finding that his time as a carer had an impact on his confidence, especially socially, Lee needed something to help build it back up, as well as to help get back into the mindset and routine needed for employment. After completing the course, Lee managed to find work behind the counter in a local Fish and Chip shop, and quickly rose through the positions to become Store Manager! Amazing work, Lee! Read on below to hear more from Lee!

What were you doing before you started the programme?
Before starting my course, I had been a carer for my ex-partner for five years. During this period, I rarely left the house. My confidence suffered and I lost the ability to talk to people properly. Prior to this, I worked in fabrication and welding at a forge in Prudhoe.

How did you find out about the training?
Through my Work Coach, Claire at Morpeth Job Centre. She understood my background in recent years, that I hadn’t been around people for a while and needed to learn to mix again. She encouraged me to take part, get some confidence back and learn some new skills.

Why did you decide to join?
I knew I needed to get used to being with people again, establish a healthy routine and be work minded. I felt like I needed to start from scratch which included getting up early and being somewhere on time each day. I thought joining the course would be a good start.

What did you think of the training? How did it help you?
I thought the training was excellent, and I thoroughly enjoyed it! Rebecca the tutor was brilliant, she instilled confidence in me again, right from the start. The course pushed me outside of my comfort zone. The team building activity was a whole new experience, I was the interviewer, and that also helped to develop my confidence. Overall, I got back into the routine I needed, and got my mind going after becoming used to watching TV all day and not challenging myself. It was good to use my brain productively again. I benefitted from the customer service part of the course, as I was successful in gaining a customer service job shortly after I completed.

Were there any barriers or obstacles you had to overcome?
I had several barriers to overcome, including a lack of confidence and motivation. I had only left my house on rare occasions for a long time and had become accustomed to staying in all day, every day.

What are you doing now?
I got a job as a Counter Server at Fish and Chips at No. 10. After 3 months I was made Counter Manager and I’ve just been promoted to Shop Manager. I love it! My tasks include opening and locking up, dealing with orders, stock taking, banking and now managing the team of six staff and a fryer.

What impact has the training had on your life?
Before the course I was shy and didn’t like to talk to people. I had become closed off and was going through the breakdown of a relationship. The course gave me a massive confidence boost, and by the end I had been on camera, talked in front of the class, and helped others who weren’t as computer literate as me! I obtained a customer service qualification which was a big change of direction for me as previously I had always had factory and warehousing jobs, or driven forklifts. I wouldn’t go back now.

What are your plans for the future?
I’m very happy where I am. I have a good job and my own house now. I’m setting myself achievable goals, something I learned on the course and I’m going to see how things go. The next thing I’d like to do is pass my driving test.

What would you say to someone who was thinking about doing the training but wasn’t sure?
I would recommend it. I had been so closed off and dubious at first, but it blew my expectations. The staff are lovely, and it was good fun. Thinking back to the day before I started the course, I never dreamed I’d be where I am now.

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