While on the search for employment, Emma was told about our Civil Service course via Universal Credit. Having previously done one of our in-person Returneeship courses, as well as working in the Civil Service before, Emma knew that this course would be good for her to find out what had changed and how to re-enter the Civil Service. Using the knowledge gained on the course, Emma has since gone on to start working as a Work Coach!
Read on below to hear Emma’s full journey of her time with Release Potential!
What were you doing before you started the programme?
I’d previously been working for Wolverhampton homes and was then unemployed since April 2024.
How did you find out about the training?
I received a message via my Universal Credit journal to let me know that a Civil Service Course was available if I was interested. I had to confirm my interest in the course which was followed up by a call from one of the team at Release Potential where I was then enrolled onto the Civil Service programme.
Why did you decide to join?
Really enjoyed the first course I did with Release Potential back in 2021 which was a Returneeship course and I’d got a lot out of it. When heard about the other course available it sounded really interesting and I wanted to understand what changes had happened in the Civil Service since I’d last worked there. Access to the course was really convenient as it was over Zoom and I felt the course content and skills and the information being shown would really support with showing me what had changed.
What did you think of the training? How did it help you?
The training was really enjoyable. The trainers are amazing, friendly, approachable, supportive and always inclusive to me and all of the group. I always felt able to refer back to the tutor if I needed to and the daily Masterclasses were also really beneficial. The Counselling and Mentoring content was also brilliant. There was lots of self reflection whilst on the course based on what I already knew and I was able to add to this with the new content. The insight into GDPR was also really useful.
Were there any barriers or obstacles you had to overcome?
Not really any barriers. I had some IT issues which were really handled well and supported by the RP Tech team. I was given dedicated, remote support to resolve my issues and also assist in ensuring everything was resolved and in place for a planned Teams interview I had planned.
What are you doing now?
My new job is a WorkWell Health and Work Coach – Black Country NHS Foundation Trust. The job is helping people who are unwell, have disabilities or challenges to find work or access other health organisations that can support them further. I was given the opportunity to attend an open day that Release Potential shared with me and that’s how this came about.
What impact has the training had on your life?
The training gave me a real boost and a renewed my appetite for job searching, and learning new things. Knowing the support I can access is ongoing is great, and also still being able to access the course content even though the course has ended and work has been secured is excellent. This is quite unique.
What are your plans for the future?
This job is a Fixed Term Contract for 18 months. My hope is that the contract continues and I can stay on, or that I can secure another role in NHS. The plan is to stay within the NHS for the duration of my working career.
What would you say to someone who was thinking about doing the training but wasn’t sure?
Go for it, absolutely go for it. The way the sessions are held is so welcoming and easy going. It doesn’t matter the level of experience you have as you learn from each other and make new connections and friends. The trainers are absolutely exceptional. The best I have come across. Thoroughly worthwhile attending and if there’s anything you don’t understand, the trainer will persist with support until you do. The knowledge you get is second to none and always there to look back on.