Prior to joining the course, Bhuvanesh had worked in a range of different jobs, but had decided it was time to try working in customer service and thought the course would be the right place to get support in finding work of that type. However, since completing the course, Bhuvanesh has gone on to find employment working as a Tram Driver! We are very happy to hear about Bhuvanesh’s progression and wish him the best of luck!
What were you doing before you started the programme?
I completed a BA(Hons) Degree in Media and Communication at Birmingham City University. During this time, I also worked as a steward for Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club. A number of agency jobs followed, which included warehousing, mail sorting and COVID testing during the pandemic. I was out of work for a year but completed a month-long internship with a social media agency, and did some volunteering with a PR firm, before joining the course.
How did you find out about the training?
Through a message to my Universal Credit journal and from my Work Coach at Bilston Job Centre. I was looking for a customer service type of job, and knew I wanted to do the course straight away.
Why did you decide to join?
I thought the course would give me the right support to improve my chances of getting the type of job I was looking for. I also liked it was not too long and thought it would be a good use of time.
What did you think of the training? How did it help you?
There was a lot of help on the course. I liked that jobs were regularly posted in the course Zoom chat, and I received regular emails with real vacancies for the type of roles I was interested in. It was also another qualification to show I was serious about getting a customer related role.
Were there any barriers or obstacles you had to overcome?
Not really. I had previous experience and qualifications but was wanting to learn more about how to write CV’s, cover letters, and how to identify the right jobs to apply for.
What are you doing now?
I’m employed as a Tram Driver/Conductor with Midland Metro Ltd and have not been long in post. The training for the Conductor part of my role lasted about two and a half weeks. It’s a customer service focused role, selling and checking tickets/passes on trams and dealing with a wide range of people and situations. I need to use my customer service skills every day! The training to become a Driver is longer and will last about eight weeks, but I’m looking forward to it.
What impact has the training had on your life?
It helped me to figure out which sort of jobs I’d be more successful in applying for. I benefitted from support to help with smarter CV writing and interview skills. I had an interview during the course for an Asylum Seeker Decision position with the Home Office in Solihull Job Centre. Although I wasn’t successful, it was good experience that helped me moving forward.
What are your plans for the future?
If I do a good job with my current role, I’m hoping there may be other options within the rail industry, such as signalling. I’m quite open minded as to the future. I’m still interested in media-based opportunities linked to what I’ve studied previously, youth work with the Prince’s Trust, and supporting students in a college/FE setting, so quite varied.
What would you say to someone who was thinking about doing the training but wasn’t sure?
Do it! It is an effective short course, and helps you obtain a worthwhile qualification. The staff team kept in regular contact informing me about jobs I was interested in. I appreciated all the help I received with supporting my job search, even after the course had finished.