Restart Scheme
Stuart was unemployed and had a lack of confidence with using a computer to find and apply for jobs as he struggled with using ICT. Stuart also had not attended a job interview for quite some time and felt this was a barrier to him getting into work. Although Stuart had a CV, it was outdated and needed to be improved.
Joining the Restart Scheme, Stuart was assigned Courtney Llewellyn from ITEC Skills as his Job Coach. To address the key barriers that were stopping Stuart from finding a role, Courtney put a plan together to help him to receive support with developing his CV, preparing for an interview, and learning how to use a computer to find and apply for work.
Engaging in one-to-one interview preparation sessions with Courtney, Stuart was shown how to answer competency-based questions using an effective method known as STAR (situation, task, action, and result). Stuart sometimes struggled to present and verbalise what he wanted to say, with the practice helping to improve his confidence. Additionally, Stuart and his advisor attended a community learning hub together to improve his status of qualifications whereby he now has a certificate in level 2 health and safety which has improved his level of confidence with obtaining qualifications going forward.
Stuart also undertook one-to-one ICT sessions which has now enabled him to use a laptop and access Google to search and apply for work and is able to pursue this with support of someone sat next to him; to others this may seem a small task, however to Stuart this was a lot to learn with his limited ICT skills. Stuart now also has an improved CV which has been tailored to suit the job roles he wants going forward including retail.
From receiving support with interview preparation, Stuart was invited to attend an interview for a retail position with B&M, and although unsuccessful, for Stuart to have sat there and spoke in the interview, this was a sign that he can do it, he just needs encouragement which he has been receiving consistently. Stuart can also utilise his CV to effectively apply for work as well as being able to use a computer, he can increase his chances of going into work as well as applying for jobs actively. Stuart feels with his confidence improved, he can maintain his morale.
He currently volunteers for a company called Home Makers. Stuart can follow instruction and he’s been able to enhance his job prospects further demonstrated by achieving a volunteer of the year award with Home Makers.
