Restart Scheme
Reita joined the Restart Scheme in January 2023. She had been unemployed for 15 months and had previous experience as a Support Worker in Health and Social Care. Reita was dealing with health challenges and confidence issues, as well as having limited IT skills, which limited the scope of job roles she could apply for. Reita needed the tailored support Restart Scheme provides to address these challenges to help get back into work.
With the skilled support of her Restart Scheme Job Coach, Reita started to work on various aspects of her employment barriers. This included training to upskill in IT, attending Job Application sessions, workshops in Interview Techniques and Mock Interview Practice. She was also given support with travel costs and clothing for job interviews.
In June 2023, Reita signed up to a Pre-Employment Training Programme with the NHS and Sandwell College which was facilitated by Serco’s Restart Scheme Partnership Team and the NHS Widening Participation Team. Reita completed the programme, and by November 2023, Reita had successfully become employed by the NHS and started working as a full-time Health Care Assistant at Sandwell Hospital.
Since starting work, Reita has been involved in public speaking at several events about her positive journey on the Restart Scheme and her progression into work.
Reita has attended events hosted by the NHS Widening Participation Team and the Serco Restart Scheme Partnership Team, where she talked to Participants wishing to explore careers in the NHS. The sessions were successful and very inspirational for the Participants in attendance.
On 4th January 2024, the Minister for Employment, Jo Churchill, visited the Serco Restart Scheme Office in Birmingham to see the wide range of support on offer to Restart Scheme Participants. Accompanied by Serco Restart Scheme Partnership Coordinator, Matthew Peniket and Steps to Work Senior Employer Engagement Lead, Sue Gaskell, Reita was invited to meet Jo Churchill. Reita discussed with Jo her journey on the Restart Scheme and her progression into work with the NHS. Reita impressed Jo and said she was truly privileged and humbled by the opportunity to share her success story with the Minister.
Reita continues to be supported by the Restart Scheme with In-Work Support to help her thrive until her Restart Scheme support journey ends.
