Rebecca was looking to get back into employment after a year and a half without work, and her Work Coach referred her to the course. Thanks to the remote delivery of the course, Rebecca was able to take part while also looking after her children. Read below to hear what Rebecca has to say about juggling returning to work, courses, and childcare!

What were you doing before you started the programme?
I had my own business, running a dance school, but after having my family went into youth work. I was a Dance Co-ordinator at a youth club in Wolverhampton and then an Administration Assistant with Family Matters who help people with childcare problems get back into work or training. Unfortunately, they had to close some branches due to Covid which included where I worked. I was made redundant in 2019 and put my energy into looking after my three children. I was unemployed for about one and half years before starting the course.

How did you find out about the training?
My Work Coach, Gurpreet referred me to the course explaining it was something good to do, an opportunity to build up my CV, skills, confidence, and improve my profile. I also spoke to Ben from Release Potential who told me what would be expected of me and the type of opportunities the course could lead to.

Why did you decide to join?
The course was being delivered remotely and the flexibility this gave me with three children to care for was important. The range of roles the course could lead to was also important.

What did you think of the training? How did it help you?
I was as a bit daunted at first. I hadn’t been in work for a while and had no previous experience of working in the Civil Service. The training furthered my knowledge of working in different sectors. The mock interview I had was very good as it mirrored the real interview I had later. The questions asked, the case study used, advice given and suggested things to say were all very helpful.

Were there any barriers or obstacles you had to overcome?
I had to manage my time carefully due to the demands of having three young children. Recordings of each session were made available which helped my situation. If I missed a session I would listen to the recording on an evening when the children were in bed when I had more time and could concentrate better. This flexibility helped me.

What are you doing now?
I’m due to start employment shortly as a Restart Advisor with Ingeus in Dudley, and really am looking forward to it.

What impact has the training had on your life?
The training has made me realise how much potential I have and how able I am. With being unemployed for a while, I doubted my ability. To complete the course in the circumstances I had to deal with and get a job so soon afterwards has built my confidence again.

What are your plans for the future?
I’m hoping to be in and stay in employment. I’m aiming to move myself and my family forward.

What would you say to someone who was thinking about doing the training but wasn’t sure?
I would say do it! The course is flexible, delivered by friendly tutors who make you feel comfortable and provide good support. I found the confidence to find employment again. It helped my transition back into work.