Josie was in need of some help finding work, and was told about the course by her Work Coach. Thinking the course would be a good way to learn something new, Josie decided to take part. Read below to see how Josie felt the course has helped her going forward!

What were you doing before you started the programme?
I had been volunteering in retail with a cancer charity shop and had completed a variety of courses. I started a Kickstart placement with a travel agent called Travelpals but left as the type of work was not what I’d anticipated.

How did you find out about the training?
From my Work Coach, Angela, at Halesowen job centre. She put a note on my journal asking if I would like to do the course. I thought it would be a good use of my time while looking for a Kickstart placement or a job. I was then contacted by Owen from Release Potential who explained the course in more detail.

Why did you decide to join?
The course was a good way to improve myself and learn something new. I also thought it would help me learn how to produce creative content for websites which would help me.

What did you think of the training? How did it help you?
I learned new things and it gave me more of an insight into how IT works, which is useful for the future. I enjoyed learning remotely from home, and the pace of the work suited me. I enjoyed having a quiz each morning which was a good way to start the day!

Were there any barriers or obstacles you had to overcome?
Not really, I just needed some help finding some work.

What are you doing now?
I’m employed in a Kickstart Sales Assistant role with the Beacon Charity for the Blind in Halesowen. I carry out a variety of tasks every day including working on the tills, sorting, tagging, hanging, organising and rearranging the shop, banking, opening and locking up. It’s going well and I’m enjoying it.

What impact has the training had on your life?
The course has made me more knowledgeable about IT. It’s helped me be more confident using the laptop at work. The website work has also helped me with a blog I write which is about all sorts of things to do with Southeast Asia including culture, history, entertainment and mythology. So, it’s helped me both personally and professionally.

What are your plans for the future?
To complete my Kickstart placement with the Beacon. I would like to get a job afterwards ideally in a social media orientated role.

What would you say to someone who was thinking about doing the training but wasn’t sure?
I would say go for it. You learn new things, get useful qualifications and it opens you up to a wider range of work.