Danielle needed some help to become comfortable talking in front of big groups of people, and after finding a leaflet for the course in her local Job Centre discussed it with her Work Coach who thought it would be a good confidence boost. Danielle has since used the skills obtained on the course to go on to work as an Employment Coach herself! You can find out more about her journey by reading on below!
What were you doing before you started the programme?
In 2014 I graduated after taking a Media and Communications Degree at Birmingham City University. I specialised in television production and photography. I did some work experience with the BBC, and then set up my own photography business which I concentrated on after graduating. The main focus was fashion and beauty photography. I also ran some photography seminars and became used to working with the community and presenting. I moved to London and worked in shoot production within fashion photography and at John Lewis on creative campaigns post-production. For several reasons I needed to move back to Birmingham and worked for a marketing agency in client services. Unfortunately, I experienced a breakdown, and needed to leave this role, and was introduced to Steps to Work who helped to support me and I received counselling through the Health and Work programme.
How did you find out about the training?
I saw a leaflet about the course in Halesowen Job Centre, and discussed it with my Work Coach, Craig, who thought it would be a good confidence boost for me. I was looking for civil service roles at the time. I also spoke to Dan and Andrew from Release Potential who gave me further information about the course.
Why did you decide to join?
My priorities had changed a lot, and I wanted to help people and give something back. I needed a course that could help me deal with complex situations. I was also looking for training that could help build my confidence again, ability to communicate and enhance my knowledge of providing customer service. The safeguarding element of the course was also important for what I was looking to go on to do.
What did you think of the training? How did it help you?
After my breakdown, I needed to get back to communicating with people again, and the course helped with this. James and Dan gave a really good insight as to the type of situations that can develop in the workplace. I felt very comfortable with them, and they encouraged communication amongst the group.
With the course being online, it helped me at the time as it suited my needs. Course delivery was a smooth process, and everything worked well. The course has made a massive contribution to me obtaining my new position. The support provided with interview techniques also helped me to prepare.
Were there any barriers or obstacles you had to overcome?
I needed to become comfortable talking in front of a big group of people again.
What are you doing now?
I’m preparing for a new role as an Employment Coach with Steps to Work in May. I think it’s really nice to have obtained a job with the people who helped me when I needed it. I’ll be working remotely but my hub will be in Wallsall. My job is focussed on the Jets programme, so I’ll have a caseload of customers on Universal Credit and my role is to help them overcome barriers and get back into work.
What impact has the training had on your life?
The course helped me get the position I now have. I will need to present in front of groups of people and it has helped me build the confidence again to do this. I learned a lot about equality and diversity on the course and I now feel more confident about how to approach a diverse range of customers.
What are your plans for the future?
My immediate future is my new role. I’m looking forward to developing my new career working with the community and supporting people. This is the direction I’d like to go in now. My contract will take me through to September, so I will be very interested in what positions Steps to Work have coming up too. If an opportunity is there, a permanent position would be great!
What would you say to someone who was thinking about doing the training but wasn’t sure?
Even if you have qualifications, to further develop your skills or take the opportunity to upskill is important. I wanted a change, I was a bit stuck, and the course helped me decide on the right direction for me.