Melanie joined our course at Release Potential as she wanted to find a way to enhance her previous qualifications to help in her search for work. During her time on the course, Melanie found that the range of jobs open to her was broadened, and that she was able to apply for many jobs that she hadn’t considered to be an option before! Since completing the course, Melanie has gone on to gain employment as an Internal Quality & Compliance Officer, and hopes to develop further within the role, making the most off the things she learned during the course!
Best of luck, Melanie!

What were you doing before you started the programme?
Prior to being unemployed I was working as an Internal Quality Assurer and Placement Officer.

How did you find out about the training?
I found out about the training via a leaflet in the Job Centre. I had my eye on the Civil Service Course originally. The course I eventually managed to do incorporated both Civl Service and Coaching & Mentoring elements and was a Level 3 qualification.

Why did you decide to join?
I was considering the possibility of using my previous quality qualifications as a foundation and wanted something to enhance them and broaden the sectors I could work in. I felt doing the course would support me with this.

What did you think of the training? How did it help you?
The training gave me a broader spectrum of what jobs and opportunities were out there. It also supported my existing qualifications and former role experience. Elements of what I learnt were already known, but there were lots of new additions and useful pieces of information that were incorporated along the way.

Were there any barriers or obstacles you had to overcome?
I was fortunate and had no issues at all. I had the possibility to do a little bit of part time work which I managed to incorporate into my learning.

What are you doing now?
I’m working as an Internal Quality & Compliance Officer for Best Practice Network.

What impact has the training had on your life?
There were parts of the training that really supported me at interview. Particularly the Coaching & Mentoring element which aligned with how to effectively use my communication skills. As part of the interview process for my job, I had to complete a presentation which related to conflict resolution. This had been covered during the course curriculum so I had a great insight into what information was required. I was able to target very specific details to give a robust response to the interview questions asked. I also learnt how to write and develop certain types of statements that I had no insight of before. It guided me into knowing the correct approach to take.

What are your plans for the future?
I want to develop further in my role. The job involves lots of elements I hadn’t encountered in previous roles and I am now getting hands on experience to use the skills and learning from the course to support me in this.

What would you say to someone who was thinking about doing the training but wasn’t sure?
I would encourage someone to look at the skills they have and can incorporate into the learning but also be aware of what you need to do around time keeping, research and structure in the day. This can be a challenge to some but the course gives you a great focus and an appetite to attend. It’ was a fabulous, supportive opportunity to hear views from others, learn new tasks and take on board others thoughts and opinions.