Restart Scheme
When Maria* was referred onto the Restart Scheme, her confidence and self-esteem were at an all-time low following an abusive relationship. She had previously given up work to look after her three children but was now ready to find a job and build a future for her family.
Maria’s Job Coach, Christina, could see how dedicated Maria was. She says “I have never wanted someone to get a job as bad as I wanted Maria to get one because I knew how much it would improve her life.”
As Maria hadn’t worked for a long time, she did not have a CV and was out of touch with how to find a job in today’s online world. The team at Seetec Pluss supported Maria to put together a CV and helped her to set up an account and navigate Indeed, so she could apply for jobs in her own time.
When Maria received her first interview invitation, she attended an interview skills workshop and took part in mock interviews with the in-house Trainer to get her ready. But it became apparent that Maria was still struggling with interviews and not being successful was starting to affect her confidence.
Christina recognised that she needed more support to build her confidence, so she introduced Maria to the Ladies Talent Hub. At this group, Maria met other women who were in the same situation as herself, and through comparing notes and supporting one another, she felt more confident and motivated.
Maria was completely taken aback when she was offered two jobs in the same week and got to choose which one suited her best. She decided to go for a part-time role at a national retailer which would fit around her family.
Starting work in February meant her 2022 was off to a great start. Maria says: “This is the year that my life is going to finally get better!”
Christina adds: “Maria one of the most dedicated and reliable participants I have had whilst working on the Restart Scheme. Initially when she started, she was tied to only working school hours and then as she began to realise how much impact this had on certain opportunities that she was missing out on she gradually became more flexible. She was very resourceful and proactive in her job searching and all her hard work and dedication has finally paid off. When she told me she was successful in getting the job she was so happy, and I was so happy for her.”
*Pseudonym
