Lauren had been looking for an opportunity to help secure employment. After speaking to her Work Coach, she decided the course would be the opportunity she needed to help with her journey. Lauren has gone from having low confidence in her ability to gaining employment in the DWP working as a Case Worker!

What were you doing before you started the programme?
I had just finished a Thriving to Work programme to support me with anxiety and was looking for an opportunity to find something new to support my learning that would hopefully help me secure a role.

How did you find out about the training?
My Work Coach Mohammed recommended the course to me, very much around Civil Service being Disability Confident Leaders which was really appealing, and I felt I would get a positive experience.

Why did you decide to join?
My Work Coach Mohammed had already done the course with Release Potential and shared insight into the course content and the benefits he thought I’d get. It sounded like something that could help me on my journey so I joined.

What did you think of the training? How did it help you?
I thought the training was really good. It helped me in lots of ways and made the whole process of applying in Civil Service less intimidating, After initially looking at the Civil Service website and the jobs available, I was completely confused. The course helped me understand where I could really fit in. The overall process including applying, behaviour profiles and tests etc became much more understandable and easy to apply and put into practice. I really liked the morning sessions when dealing with workbooks which supported with extra learning. Data Protection laws etc were explained fully including during group discussions which was particularly useful. The Zoom jobs channel was excellent, really helpful and also very specific, especially around the job location, and this is how I found out about my job.

Were there any barriers or obstacles you had to overcome?
I had no confidence in my ability initially. Doing the course work and getting feedback was amazing and really helped me both in the group setting and also on a one to one basis.

What are you doing now?
I’m working as an AO – Case Manager with DWP.

What impact has the training had on your life?
The training has basically got me a job. I knew Civil Service was where I wanted to be based on their Disability Confident Status, and due to me having autism I knew I would be well supported.

What are your plans for the future?
I hope my future plans lead to a long and comfortable career where I am able to learn and grow on a professional basis.

What would you say to someone who was thinking about doing the training but wasn’t sure?
Just do it. You have nothing at all to lose. If you try to understand the Civil Service website on your own it is intimidating. Taking time to go through the learning and pick up all of the skills will only benefit you in the long term