Following the advice from her Work Coach, Anna deviced to join the course with Release Potential as a way to develop her skills and improve her CV. Anna was at first hesitent to join, but during her time on the course actually found it to be extremely helpful in boosting her confidence, self-esteem and public speaking skills! Since completing the course, Anna has gained a position as an Events Manager at her local community centre, though she still hopes to gain employment within the Civil Service when she feels the time is right!
Read on to hear Anna’s story!
What were you doing before you started the programme?
I had been working in maintenance operations in my local community centre for the last 8 years. My role mainly included cleaning the community centre and fixing any maintenance issues that may arise. Alongside this I was also completing volunteering work within the community centre on Youth programmes and also volunteering at the sister’s project, I really enjoyed volunteering as it gave me a sense of giving back to the community and also meeting and helping others.
How did you find out about the training?
I was attending the job centre and my work coach Mia told me about the course and really encouraged me to join the course, Mia had actually done the same course herself so she was really selling it as a great opportunity that I was happy for her to share my details with Release Potential, and then a member of the RP team gave me a call to get me all signed up.
Why did you decide to join?
In all honestly, I decided to join the course because of Mia, she was very convincing, telling me to just go for it, you wont regret it. I was a little hesitant as I have done many training courses before and I didn’t know if I needed to do further training but like Mia said if I do it and give it a chance at least I will develop my skills further and I can update my CV.
What did you think of the training? How did it help you?
It was SO AMAZING, I have honestly never done a course like this before, the subject Customer Service I did have an understanding about this before but now I know so much more. The course was just amazing the way it was delivered was so DIFFERENT! It was really supportive, relaxing, interesting, very interactive and the support was just top level. I have never done a course before or actually never known support be 24/7 and such quick responses, normally you send a message or an email and have to wait a couple days for a response but not with Release Potential, I would send a message and almost get an instant response, was just amazing. I now have turned into Mia actually; anyone I speak to in the job centre or even in my new job I am telling everyone do it!
Were there any barriers or obstacles you had to overcome?
My biggest barrier really was my confidence, self-esteem and the element of public speaking but the way that the class was delivered and how inclusive it is, you are really encouraged to be yourself and the way it was delivered as a group we all had a chance and we all encouraged each other, the class and my peers were so lovely and so encouraging. The progress that I witnessed myself from week one, some of my peers like me were shy, they didn’t have their cameras on but throughout the course you seen this change, their cameras came on, and they were talking to the full group. We all just felt included, important and part of a great group, with great tutors!
What are you doing now?
I have changed career now and have more responsibility. I am now working in Sarah Community Centre as an Event Manager, we are running sessions for woman only with a range of different topics helping woman who are DV survivors, IT workshops, creative workshops and signposting to further learning and development opportunities, and you can bet that Release Potential is top of the list!
What impact has the training had on your life?
Release Potential has helped me a lot, English is not my first language and interviews and fear of doing interviews specifically virtual was a big fear of mine but after the course and the mock interview I completed on course, the pre-recorded interview, has really helped me overcome this fear. Also, my confidence and self-esteem I am more courageous to apply for jobs, to ask questions, to send my CV to employers, to showcase my skills and talents, so thank you to Release Potential you have really helped me in so many ways!
What are your plans for the future?
I still have the aim to apply for Civil Service roles long term but for now I am wanting to focus on my current role helping others in the community.
What would you say to someone who was thinking about doing the training but wasn’t sure?
Go for it, go for it, go for it!
It is so informative, you are not going to lose anything, but you will gain a lot! If anything, you will meet new friends, I am still in contact with people I did the course with. You will also overcome your fears and have a great time; I really looked forward to every session!