Junior found out about the training from an entry in his Universal Credit journal, and was interested in finding out how the training could be utilised to help obtain work so joined on of our Civil Service courses. After completing the course and realising the potential of the training, Junior decided to see what else Release Potential had to offer and how we could help even further, so signed on to do our L3 Coaching and Mentoring course! Since completing both of these programmes, Junior has gone on to work in a full time position as a Programme Manager, and we are proud of the progress has made and wish him all the best!
What were you doing before you started the programme?
About twenty years ago I started working with hard-to-reach young people through the YMCA, delivering on drug education programmes aimed at harm prevention and reduction. This led to me working for Engage Youth Empowerment Services a charity that supports young people. I’ve been involved in a variety of projects with them including at Featherstone prison, local youth clubs and schools. Because the nature of the work is subject to funding and can fluctuate, I have needed to take on additional jobs such as working in a fast-food restaurant, warehousing, cleaning, and a care home to supplement the work. I was unemployed before I started my courses with Release Potential.
How did you find out about the training?
I found out about the training via an entry in my UC journal. I saw the information about the Civil Service course and knew I wanted to go for it! I would say it was one of the best things I ever did.
Why did you decide to join?
I thought the training looked far reaching and had the potential to open quite a few doors. What really interested me was how I could utilise the training to help me obtain work.
What did you think of the training? How did it help you?
It became clear I could apply for roles I didn’t think I was eligible to apply for previously. I saw that I was more than capable of applying for roles beyond what I had previously thought I was capable of. The course really helped me to understand how to navigate through the application processes for Civil Service roles. During the course, there was a presentation from Mohammed Ahsan, the DWP Service Leader for Birmingham and Solihull. This was an amazing, eye opening, empowering and inspirational experience. His presentation put a fire in my belly and gave me the boost and push I needed. It was fuel for my fire 100%!!
The delivery team made it fun and enjoyable. After I completed the Civil Service course, I wanted to know what the next thing was I could do with Release Potential! This is a testament to the staff team and the content of the courses they deliver. The delivery of the course helped me to understand my strengths and weaknesses, and how to move forward in a positive way to help me achieve my goals and aspirations.
Were there any barriers or obstacles you had to overcome?
Due to my previous experiences of using course content I felt very confident, even slightly overconfident in my knowledge of the courses beforehand. However, during the courses I discovered things I didn’t know previously. I learned new things to help me move forward.
What are you doing now?
I’m really pleased to be continuing to work for Engage Youth Empowerment Services, this time in a full-time role as a Programme Manager. I’m working on the Steps to Success programme, supporting hard to reach, disengaged young people from referrals we get from various sources including schools, Social Services, the Police and outside agencies. We work with young people as individuals supporting them with their interests to help them reintegrate back into the community.
What impact has the training had on your life?
I feel empowered, and that I have greater options in life and work. Both the Civil Service and L3 Coaching and Mentoring courses helped me to update professionally, refresh my skills and knowledge and make me more effective at work.
What are your plans for the future?
I’m going to keep making progress, look for further development opportunities, and try to broker new partnerships with other organisations in my new role.
What would you say to someone who was thinking about doing the training but wasn’t sure?
It’s one of the best decisions you will ever make! Embrace it, go with it and excel!