After over 30 years of employment Mark was in an unfortunate position of looking for work, and felt he needed to develop his IT skills. Mark heard about the course from his Work Coach, and decided it would be a good opportunity and experience. Carry on below to see what else Mark wanted to share!

What were you doing before you started the programme?
I’ve had a variety of jobs in the past. I did a painting and decorating apprenticeship as a teenager, then worked for British Rail for nine years before being made redundant when it was privatised. I was a security guard for Chubb, then a tram driver for twenty years with West Midland Metro. I was unemployed and have been looking for work since February. I’m not so into computers and did a ‘clickstart’ course, before taking part in the Returneeship with Release Potential.

How did you find out about the training?
From my Work Coach Christina, at Wulfrun Jobcentre. I also got some course information from a member of the Release Potential team to help me make my mind up.

Why did you decide to join?
I thought it would be a good opportunity and experience, to help me find a job. I also thought it would help to develop my IT skills further.

What did you think of the training? How did it help you?
The team building activity at the start of the course was a surprise. My role was working the camera. It was a good experience – I felt as if I’d known the other learners on my course for a few weeks, not just a few days! It was also a good confidence builder.
Before the course I used one finger to work on a computer keyboard, but now I use both hands! Developing my computer skills has made a big difference and helped with my job seeking skills. The way the team of staff worked with us all was very patient, Owen in particular.
We all attended a Job Fair at Molineux House which was taking place during the course. There was a lot more going on at the Job Fair than I expected including a variety of employers doing interviews on the day. I took my CV and met a representative from 24×7 Staffordshire Ltd who took my details. I had an online interview with them a week later, which was a new experience. It went well and I thought I was more relaxed with the interview actually taking place at home. I was successful and have attended induction passing the test at the end, which focussed on the difference between being a Private Hire Driver and a taxi driver.

Were there any barriers or obstacles you had to overcome?
Not really, I just needed to find work, but the course helped with confidence building.

What are you doing now?
I’m going to start a Private Hire Driver role with 24×7 Staffordshire Ltd when the schools return after the summer holidays in September. I’ll be taking children with special educational needs to and from school, each day.

What impact has the training had on your life?
I wouldn’t have found out about the job I have if I hadn’t taken part in the course!

What are your plans for the future?
I’m looking forward to starting in September and am hoping the job will keep me going through to retirement. I’ll have to see how it goes.

What would you say to someone who was thinking about doing the training but wasn’t sure?
Definitely go for it, I would recommend it. As well as getting a job, I also made some friends on the course.