Pushpa was looking to find out more about how to apply for positions in the Civil Service, and was told about the course by her Work Coach. Making the most of the support provided by Release Potential, Pushpa was set on using the course to help open doors and find work again. After completing the course, Pushpa was able to secure not one but two roles within the Civil Service, and we are extremely proud of the work she did to achieve that! Read on below to hear more from Pushpa!

What were you doing before you started the programme?
Before I started the course, I had been unemployed for a short time. My most recent employment had been as a receptionist at a doctor’s surgery for two and a half years. Before this, I had worked in customer facing retail roles, including Debenhams for two years.

How did you find out about the training?
I found out about the training from my Work Coach, Neil at Molineux House Job Centre. I had been looking at Civil Service administrative opportunities, and he encouraged me to consider taking the course as it could help to improve my chances of finding the type of employment I was looking for.

Why did you decide to join?
I wanted to know more about how to apply, understand the processes involved, and to experience having a mock interview.

What did you think of the training? How did it help you?
The support was good right from the start – I was able to borrow a laptop to participate as it was a remote course. Overall, taking part helped to build my confidence again and I learned how to do online job searches. We found out about different Civil Service jobs on the programme. The course tutor, Becca sent us links to live vacancies which I used, they really did help. There was a guest speaker from the Civil Service on the programme, and it was interesting listening to their experience of working in the sector.

Were there any barriers or obstacles you had to overcome?
Not really, but I needed to build my confidence up. My main focus was finding work again.

What are you doing now?
I had two Civil Service interviews before coming on to the course, with the Crown Court and Department of Work and Pensions respectively, so felt I was moving in the right direction. After completing the course, I secured a role as a Case Worker with the DWP and just after that, another as a Receptionist with the Ministry of Justice. This latter role was the one I really wanted but it took some time for all the checks to be completed and receive my start date.

What impact has the training had on your life?
Taking part in the two weeks of Civil Service training made a big difference for me. It seemed to help to open more doors and give me confidence. Also, I had never learned remotely before, and found this was a positive new experience.

What are your plans for the future?
I’m planning on staying with the Ministry of Justice – it’s hard to get in! At some point in the future, I would like to do some digital skills training.

What would you say to someone who was thinking about doing the training but wasn’t sure?
I’ve recommended the training to two people already and they have both gone on to do the same course as me!