After spending some time at university to study an industry she had already worked in, Teresa decided it was time to explire some different career paths. Teresa joined the course with Release Potential in the hopes that she would gain some additional tools to help find a different job to what she had been previously doing. During her time on the course, Teresa found out about how the range of Civil Service positions worked and developed some skills to help make a strong application.
Using those skills Tereasa was able to gain employment within the DWP! Congratulations, Teresa!

What were you doing before you started the programme?
I’d been at University studying Hospitality and Management and had already worked in the industry but it was difficult and I did really long hours. I was looking for a different job but not making the most of my time, and felt I wanted to find a role in a different type of environment.

How did you find out about the training?
I was in receipt of Universal Credit. I had an excellent Work Coach – Shahifa, who signposted me to the Civil Service courses. I found out about a Graduate Programme they offered which sounded really good, and would help prepare me for a different career path which I was after.

Why did you decide to join?
I thought the course would give me the additional skills to look and find a different job outside Hospitality. I was intrigued at what it had to offer so decided to give it a go.

What did you think of the training? How did it help you?
The training really helped. I got great Customer Service insight that I’d not considered before. I also learnt about how the Civil Service and the administrative jobs within there really worked. I learnt skills to understand how to make a strong application properly and also got the chance to improve my networking skills which I wasn’t very confident in before. My CV was greatly improved and I was shown lots of extra elements around Health & Safety etc which I had limited knowledge of previously.

Were there any barriers or obstacles you had to overcome?
Any challenges I had were overcome because I was really well supported during the course.

What are you doing now?
I’ve found a great job with the DWP close to where I live.

What impact has the training had on your life?
The training was great. Firstly getting an opportunity to apply for the job I got, also how to apply correctly and open my mind to new possibilities. Overall just an excellent experience.

What are your plans for the future?
What I really want to do is focus doing my best in my new job, grow in the Civil Service and see what opportunities life can bring.

What would you say to someone who was thinking about doing the training but wasn’t sure?
I’d show them the benefits the course could bring. I’d say ’Do it’. It may be a challenge but it’s a great chance to learn new things. There are lots of other elements to benefit from on top of just the course material. Icebreaker exercises, working as a team with others in the group and engaging in tasks, exercises and projects together. It changed my mind about how I can work with others in a positive way. There’s so much support you are given and never feel alone. It definitely helped me and it can help you too.