Yusuf was told that the course would be good to help build his skills and confidence. After getting more details about the course from Release Potential he decided to give it a go! Read on to hear more from Yusuf!

What were you doing before you started the programme?
I’d attended Sandwell College for three years where I studied Music Performance and achieved a Merit. Afterwards, I did some voluntary work as a sales assistant at the British Heart Foundation. I had been unemployed for about a year before I started the course.

How did you find out about the training?
My Work Coach, Donny told me about the course. He explained it would a good course for me and help build my skills and confidence. Humeira from Release Potential also gave me some more detail about the course.

Why did you decide to join?
Humeira explained how learners have benefitted from the course previously which I liked and decided to give it a go. The prospect of understanding more about the interview process was also something I thought would be helpful.

What did you think of the training? How did it help you?
The icebreaker at the start of the course was great for getting to know other people in the group and the staff involved. Making the show was a good way of interacting with people and building everyone’s confidence. The training helped with my presentation skills and gave me some new ICT skills.
I had an interview for a Digital Marketing Assistant role that was arranged through the Market Place event for my course. Although I didn’t get the role, the interview was a good experience and helped me with my next.

Were there any barriers or obstacles you had to overcome?
I just wanted to find work!

What are you doing now?
I’m working as a Sales Assistant at Tessuti, a clothing retailer. My role involves greeting and assisting customers, ordering online, making customer suggestions/alternatives, processing weekly deliveries, labelling and helping with security.

What impact has the training had on your life?
The training has given me more confidence in approaching and communicating with people. I wasn’t like that before.

What are your plans for the future?
I’m planning on continuing with Tessuti, and ideally would like to get a promotion! I’m enjoying working in clothing retail and can see myself continuing.

What would you say to someone who was thinking about doing the training but wasn’t sure?
I would say go for it. You don’t know if you don’t try, and this was an opportunity to learn and experience new things. In some ways it was more of an experience than a course!