After some time unemployed, Ewen thought that working within the Civil Service would be a safe option with good job security. So when a member of the Release Potential team visited his local Job Centre, Ewen found out about our courses and decided to give it a go! Read on to hear more from Ewen’s experience!

What were you doing before you started the programme?
I had previously worked as a Team Leader in an IT recycling company. Once the role ended I was unemployed.

How did you find out about the training?
Following a visit to a different Job Centre to the one I usually attended, there was a Release Potential representative there who told me about the Civil Service course and I decided to give it a go.

Why did you decide to join?
Civil Service seemed like a safe option with good job security. The pensions were good and I felt I could learn lots of new information to support me with making an application for the Civil Service.

What did you think of the training? How did it help you?
I really enjoyed the training. It gave me lots of new information and insights. I was guided into thinking in new ways and to be far more autonomous. The course showed me how to work through a solution before going straight to a manager. It was a really friendly group of people, both Tutor and participants. The Tutor, Laura managed behaviours very well including handling appropriate conduct at all times.

Were there any barriers or obstacles you had to overcome?
I wasn’t always confident to speak up in new settings, but this improved when on the course.

What are you doing now?
I’m an IT Field Engineer for Birmingham Hospice. It’s Fixed Term with a possibility for further extension.

What impact has the training had on your life?
The training has made me feel more included, less isolated and that I wasn’t the only one unemployed facing the same challenges. There were lots of relatable factors, and it gave me the opportunity to mix with others in the same or similar situation and share thoughts and experiences as well as support each other.

What are your plans for the future?
I am going to enjoy the job for the short term whilst it’s running, then focus my attention on Project Management either in an IT or specifically Civil Service setting. No plans to retire any time soon.

What would you say to someone who was thinking about doing the training but wasn’t sure?
Do It! It’s a good way to learn new things, study from home in a relaxing environment and pick up new skills that support you without leaving the house.