Restart Scheme
Despite working hard to overcome a history of drug use and time spent in prison, Joe* had low expectations of finding employment. But with previous experience using a forklift, his Willenhall JCP Work Coach and his Restart Scheme Job Coach from Steps 2 Work, felt differently.
His Job Coach worked on building Joe’s self-belief that he could find work, and his Skills Tutor helped to develop his application and interview skills, which resulted in him securing an interview within days.
Joe was a little apprehensive, so to calm his pre-interview nerves he engaged in coaching sessions to get a feel for the potential work environment and job responsibilities. It worked. Following a successful trial shift, the employer was so impressed, he immediately offered Joe a paid position.
In just eight days, Joe had progressed from thinking he’d never find work to being employed. But the good news doesn’t end there. Joe continues to receive in-work support to help build his work confidence and has just passed his probation period and now has a permanent position.
He recently told his Job Coach that throughout the last few years nothing has come close to the help provided through the Restart Scheme and, until now, he hasn’t had a chance to prove his worth which is all he wanted to do.
He said: “I have a sense of purpose again and I’m learning new skills and using new machinery. I love working in a team environment again and I’m trying to help out wherever I can to prove to the management team that I am productive.”
*Pseudonym
