You could hear the confidence in Lynne M’s voice as she proudly talked about the vacancy she had recently taken up after completing a number of courses with Release Potential. She pointed out that this new found confidence was only a recent occurrence and a welcome after trying to re-enter the workforce after a hiatus.
Lynne had worked in PR until about 6 years ago when the company where she worked decided to relocate and Lynne made the difficult decision of accepting redundancy, after feeling that she would be unable to make the commute to their new premises. So, Lynne continued raising her daughters full time until the early part of this year when she felt she wanted to try and find work once again.
Lynne describes how she had a lack in confidence and a feeling that the skills she did have were a little outdated. This seemed like a difficult barrier to overcome, until the job centre showed her the courses that were on offer. Lynne soon enrolled onto a course by Release Potential and she stated “It was great to learn again and feel that I wasn’t so out of step but updating my awareness of things and for a while I took one course after another”.
When asked what she gained from the courses she participated in Lynne explains that she has not only learnt new skills but she has also “updated her knowledge on important things such as health and safety that is constantly being reviewed and changed and is fundamental in the work force.” Specifically focusing on the digital level 2 course Lynne took with Release Potential she felt especially proud of gaining invaluable new IT skills.
After successfully completing quite a few courses Lynne decided to take a short break from studying and started searching for a job again. This decision was made after receiving valuable help and suggestions as to how to improve her CV, cover letter and interviewing techniques. Lynne states that what she learnt on the customer service course from Release Potential in fact helped her to gain and be successful in her current role, “the course definitely helped me get the job I have now”, which she happily explains is a retail assistant to cover the Christmas period and is already looking to apply for jobs once this contract ends in January.
When asked where she sees herself in the future Lynne says “I would love to get a more permanent job in either a library, as a receptionist or even continuing in the retail sector”. Lynne wants to stress to others considering enrolling onto courses to “go for it! You will have nothing to be nervous about as everyone does their best to put you at ease and support you individually and as a group”.