A new chapter - Norma’s story

When Norma joined the Restart Scheme following redundancy from a long-term role, she felt uncertain about how to navigate today’s job market. With a strong background in management and HR, she had a clear sense of the roles she wanted to pursue but needed the right support and guidance to turn that ambition into reality.

During her initial appointment she met with her Employment Adviser, Sophia, who understood her situation and how it had left her feeling. Sophia said: “At first Norma was nervous and explained how her redundancy had knocked her confidence and direction towards finding work again. After a few sessions I saw a positive change with Norma’s approach and confidence. She was determined to rebuild her skills, regain motivation, and return to the job sector she loved.”

The Restart Scheme’s in-house courses help participants build the skills and confidence needed to become job ready. Through practical workshops and group learning, individuals improve key areas like CV writing and interview techniques. Working alongside others in similar situations also creates a supportive environment, boosting motivation and self-belief.

Working closely with her Employment Adviser Sophia, Norma completed several of our in-house courses including: Project Management, Handling and Resolving Conflict, Equality and Diversity, and Social Media Skills. These courses helped her bridge the gap created by unemployment and refresh her professional skill set.

Alongside her appointments, Norma attended our Skills Academy, where she upskilled in CV writing, job searching techniques and interview preparation. Norma also completed mock interviews with Sophia, and Skills Trainer Abi, who worked with her to strengthen her confidence and interview performance.

Sophia shared: “Norma’s dedication has truly paid off. She has made excellent use of everything she learnt to develop herself professionally and has now secured a new role as an HR Assistant at a university. To support her transition back into work, we also provided clothing vouchers and covered her travel costs for the first month.

“Norma’s success is inspiring. Her journey shows resilience, positivity and a strong determination to return to meaningful employment. She is a fantastic example of how the Restart Scheme can empower individuals to rebuild their careers and achieve long-term success.”