Progressively, educational progression, and online learning, has become a central theme in the combatting of daily routine, which, for many, had been left disrupted by the onset coronavirus pandemic. As job market saturation increased and the economic implications of the pandemic set in socio-economic prosperity was seemingly scarce. However, for Tam M, this stoppage in time presented opportunity to ‘actively develop’ his skills, with his introduction to Release Potential enabling a ‘welcome release’ from searching for employment prospects.

Following an established career in the dairy industry, in 2000, Tam moved into the education sector working with a variety of higher education institutions focusing on professional development in education. Progressing from this, he began working independently as a consultant in education and e-learning spheres. Unfortunately, as was the consensus globally following the outbreak of the pandemic, Tam found himself unemployed as independent consultancy work within schools was unable to proceed. As was felt across the nation, the socio-economic implications of the pandemic left the job market heavily saturated and Tam describes the opportunity to find work as progressively difficult. However, when approached by his work coach with the prospect of undertaking learning at Release Potential, to progress in his pursuit of a career as an executive officer, Tam jumped at the opportunity.

Tam emphasises the importance of ‘getting back into a routine of learning’, maintaining that the ‘courses tightly structure blend’ afforded an ample ‘sense of rhythm’. Beyond providing a solidity of routine, Tam argues the aspects of group work as ‘providing friendships’ beyond the walls of Zoom. For Tam the group became a ‘space to be confident’, with learners and tutors warranting that ‘all voices were heard’. Moving through the course Tam noted the ‘strong level of feedback’ he was receiving, underlining the role of the assessors in not only ‘confirming your progress’ but ‘highlighting areas in which you can still develop’. He contends, ‘the course content and facilitation were great’ and the ‘supporting tutor and tutor mirrored this’.

Demonstrative of Tam’s enjoyment within the learning provided by Release Potential is his undertaking of a further two courses following his initial SWAP course. Critically, referencing the pandemic, Tam highlights the analysis of legislation during the courses as ‘providing important skills’. He affirms ‘we are constantly being told to access and review legalisation with legislative language, so I really enjoyed learning more about this’.

Paramount to his successful endeavour into working as a Job Coach within the Keighley Jobcentre was, as Tam describes it, the ‘ongoing support’ provided by Release Potential. He highlights the tutors as enabling him to critically analyse his own skill-set and providing ‘feedback around managing online interviews which helped with the interview itself’. Furthermore, Tam praises the opportunity to undertake ‘modelled interview processes’ and engage with civil service tests; ‘it was a good lead into applying to the job’.

Significantly, Tam characterises his experience at Release Potential as a ‘fantastic blend of learning’ he stresses ‘there was something verifying about achieving learning both individually and together’. Looking to the future Tam endeavours to continue working in environments supporting personal development. Maintaining that, akin to the Release Potential ethos, he wishes to enable people to ‘realise their potential’.

Release Potential CEO Gaye Hutchinson remarked on Tam’s successful attainment of employment as a Job Coach at Keighley Jobcente as ‘fantastic news’, emphasising ‘the collaborative effort between the fabulous work of Halifax Job Centre and the staff at Release Potential in allowing for the continuous progression of learners into employment’. Gaye further highlighted the ‘inspiring nature’ of stories like Tam’s; ‘working with job centres, such as Halifax, to attain tremendous outcomes for our learners is what drives our passion at Release Potential’. Gaye proclaims, ‘I can’t wait to see how Tam progresses in his new career and continue our work with Halifax job centre to help more learners into employment’.