Restart Scheme
Lisa started her Restart Scheme journey in May 2023. She had been unemployed for over 10 years and had a strong background within hospitality. Lisa had an array of transferrable skills and had worked with some well-known organisations; however she was really lacking in confidence, which impacted her ability to give her all to job searching and applications. Discussing her fears in detail at one of her appointments, Lisa talked about how her poor teeth caused her to have very low self-esteem. She was encouraged to seek advice from a Dentist, which she did after the encouragement of her Job Coach, Lis Vale from Seetec Plus. After years of hiding her smile and avoiding social situations due to her bad teeth, Lisa finally decided to undergo dental work that transformed her life.
As her new smile emerged, so did her confidence. Lisa found herself eagerly engaging in conversations, smiling freely, and even taking on new professional challenges. The dental work not only improved her appearance but also reignited her self-esteem, empowering her to embrace life with a renewed sense of positivity and self-assurance. Immediately, Lis noticed the difference in her confidence and knew it was time to re-visit her career goals, aspirations, and barriers. IT now being her main cause of self-doubt. Lisa, who had previous reception experience, had always relied on traditional methods for her work and personal tasks. However, after being unemployed for these last 10 years, she found herself in a rapidly changing job market where digital literacy was essential.
"I was terrified of using computers," Lisa admitted. "I always felt that I was too old to learn new tricks, and the idea of navigating software and the internet seemed overwhelming."
Her turning point came when Lis sourced a beginner’s IT course at the local college and encouraged Lisa to enrol, promising a supportive and patient learning environment.
Lisa signed up for the course, which covered essential computer skills such as using email, navigating the internet, and basic word processing. The classes were small, allowing for personalised attention and a pace that suited every participant's learning speed.
"I felt out of my depth and considered quitting. But the instructors were incredibly patient and encouraging. They broke everything down into manageable steps and celebrated every small victory with us."
As the weeks passed, Lisa’s confidence grew. She mastered sending emails, creating documents, and even making video calls. More importantly, she discovered a newfound sense of empowerment.
"Learning these skills made me realize that I could adapt and grow, no matter my age," she said, beaming with pride. I now mix in the canteen with the younger students”.
Lisa's efforts didn't go unnoticed. At the end of the course, she received a certificate of completion, a testament to her hard work and determination. This milestone was not just a piece of paper; it was a symbol of her resilience and willingness to embrace change. She was also encouraged to look at completing Level 1 in Digital Skills by her Tutor and is currently taking mock tests in preparation for her exam in June. Encouraged by her success, Lisa and Lis have been discussing volunteering at the local library as an IT Champion, helping others who shared her initial fears. Her story will inspire many of her fellow learners, proving that with the right support and mindset, overcoming technological apprehension is possible. Today, Lisa is actively applying for jobs, equipped with both her newfound computer skills and a renewed sense of self-confidence. She has even started considering further education in digital literacy to expand her job prospects further and is keen to commence her Level 2 in Digital Skills in September.
Lisa’s journey from fear to confidence is a testament to the transformative power of education and the importance of the encouragement and support from Lis. Her story is a shining example of how overcoming one's fears can lead to new beginnings and opportunities, no matter the age or circumstance.
