“Nothing to lose” – Kate’s story

When Kate joined the Restart Scheme, her focus was to find a job that worked around her care duties for her daughter and mother. Kate was motivated to have a working routine that fit around childcare as she felt this had previously been a barrier for her.

During her first appointment she met with Employment Adviser Claire, who was able to assess her work experience and barriers. Together they completed a Better Off Calculation to identify how working full, and part time hours would financially benefit her. This gave Kate the clarity and the confidence she needed, knowing that she could afford to go back to work and afford childcare too.

Initial appointments on the Restart Scheme help us to assess job readiness, readiness to change and transferrable skills, and our dedicated teams then work with the participant to create an individual action plan.

Claire and Kate worked together to create a new and updated CV, highlighting all her skills and previous work experience. Kate had a background of admin, reception and sales work, and was interested in an upcoming taster day that was held in the office with EE.

Following the taster day, Kate decided to apply for a role with EE, and so Claire was on hand to support with her application, and interview preparation. Practicing with mock interviews and test questions on customer situations, Kate felt fully prepared for her interview, and was provided with vouchers by the Restart Scheme to buy new interview clothes.

Just a few days later, Kate was offered the role of a Customer Service Advisor for EE, and she arrived at her next appointment to share the news with a beaming smile on her face.

We offer continued in-work support for up to six months after the participant has started employment, which can be face to face, video or phone call appointments.

Although Kate’s goal was to find work for a reliable income, and stability for her daughter, her long-term goal was to complete a Level 3 in Counselling. Claire was able to organise and assist with the funding for an online course in Counselling CPD for Kate to complete alongside her new job.

Claire told us: “Kate attended today, and she has now completed her new starter training at EE and is now on the floor taking calls from customers. She is working on the tech team and has managed to upgrade a few of her customers with her excellent customer service skills. I will continue to support Kate in her journey and will help her with anything she needs.

“Alongside her new job, Kate is working on her Level 3 Counselling course and has just finished her first module. She is buzzing and has told us the job is well suited for her.”

Congratulations Kate, we wish you all the best for the future!