After having his industry hit by the recent pandemic, Alexander decided it was time for a career change. After doing some research into the Civil Service sector and some encouragement from his Work Coach, Alexander decided to join our Civil Service course, eventually moving on to do our Coaching and Mentoring course. Read on below to hear what Alexander has to say!
What were you doing before you started the programme?
My main employment experience has been working in the events industry. I was an Events Manager at the NEC for several years, but the industry was hit hard by Covid with no public gatherings permitted, and I lost my job. More recently I was a Client Services Manager for the Commonwealth Games for approximately fourteen months. My experience of working in the sector in these difficult times made me reevaluate and consider a career change. I think there is still some degree of risk to the events sector if something happens again and I don’t want to end up in the same situation. For me, it seemed logical to consider a career change.
How did you find out about the training?
I spoke to my Work Coach, Charlotte, who encouraged me to take the course. I also spoke to various employees at DWP about the Civil Service as a sector and the different opportunities it presents.
Why did you decide to join?
I did some of my own research online about Civil Service opportunities. I think it offers a degree of stability and security not afforded by other sectors, and there is a varied range of roles available.
What did you think of the training? How did it help you?
I thought James and the delivery team were effective, engaging and the course structures suited me. Both courses gave me an opportunity to focus and articulate the tasks I needed to complete to find a new job. I found the application hints and tips, and support with success profiles and behaviour statements particularly helpful. It was great to benefit from all the knowledge and awareness the tutors shared. I felt motivated and applied for jobs during the course while the training was fresh. There was a talk from a senior DWP staff member during the course which was inciteful about what it’s like to work as a civil servant and gave some advice and guidance to help with the application process. The overall support I received on the course helped me to get the role I went on to achieve, it definitely tipped the balance positively for me. I don’t know if I would have got it without the support. My interview for my new role was at the end of the course, directly after the mock interviews and practice I had benefitted from, so the timing was good.
Were there any barriers or obstacles you had to overcome?
No, I just knew I had to put the effort in to gain the career change I was looking for.
What are you doing now?
I’ve been employed as a Building Services Manager, which is a Higher Executive Officer role, within the Department for Transport. I’ll be arranging and managing the soft services including catering, office equipment and security access for colleagues based in Birmingham. There is a set-up in a new building on Colmore Row and a current one at Snowhill.
What impact has the training had on your life?
The Civil Service course helped me to obtain my role with The Department for Transport. I actually received the job offer while I was doing the Coaching and Mentoring course. Both have helped me to develop and move forward.
What are your plans for the future?
I’m going to give it everything in my new role over the next 12 months and see how things go. There seems to be lots of opportunities available within the sector.
What would you say to someone who was thinking about doing the training but wasn’t sure?
You’ve got absolutely nothing to lose, and everything to gain! If you’re ready, willing and want another job, it will help you. Job hunting can be demoralising and harm your self-confidence but being on the courses is a good support mechanism that helps you each step of the way.