A role that fits - Ish’s story

When Ish joined the Restart Scheme, he was looking for a stable job that gave him flexibility to continue his self-employed music and stage work. Whilst highly motivated, Ish needed support to build a CV, identify suitable opportunities and present his skills effectively to employers.

The Restart Scheme provides personalised support to help people build confidence, overcome barriers and move into sustainable employment. From tailored career guidance to practical funding and training support, we help participants achieve their goals and secure opportunities that work for them.

During his initial appointment he met with Employment Adviser, Kevin, who was on hand to support from day one. Together they explored potential career goals and developed a clear plan to proceed with his job search. They created a new CV highlighting his transferable skills, experience and reliability. Additional support through in-house workshops helped Ish to stay focused and motivated, while increasing his understanding of the local labour market and the opportunities available to him.

Kevin shared: “Through tailored guidance and ongoing encouragement, Ish grew in confidence, strengthened his job applications and focused on opportunities that aligned with both his employment needs and long-term ambitions.

"After identifying care work as a sector, he was keen to pursue, we explored suitable roles and the pathways available to him. To remove potential barriers, I also arranged funding for a DBS check, ensuring he could apply for care positions without the additional financial burden holding him back.”

Our support doesn’t end when a participant starts work. We continue to provide in-work support, practical guidance and financial assistance where needed, helping individuals settle into their new role, overcome any early challenges and build a strong foundation for long-term employment success.

Ish’s hard work paid off when he successfully secured a role as a Youth Care Worker. The shift-based position provides the flexibility needed to continue developing his music and stage career while benefiting from the stability of paid employment. Through the Restart Scheme, Ish has secured a role that supports both his professional development and future ambitions.

Like many Restart Scheme participants, Ish also benefited from practical financial support, including vouchers and assistance with travel costs, helping to ensure that his transition into employment was as smooth as possible. By removing financial barriers, he was able to focus on settling into his new role and taking the next step in his career with confidence.

Ish has since thanked the team for their support and is enjoying his new role, where he is making a positive impact on the lives of young people while continuing to work towards his future goals.