Beyond barriers - Nor’s story

When Nor joined the Restart Scheme, her goal was to find a sustainable role in the cleaning sector. However, limited recent employment, a lack of relevant qualifications, and difficulties travelling to work made finding the right opportunity challenging.

Nor worked closely with Employment Adviser Daniel to build confidence, improve job readiness, and take positive steps towards employment. Together, they created tailored CVs for cleaning, hospitality, and warehousing roles, helping Nor showcase her skills and potential to employers.

To strengthen her applications further, Nor completed COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) and Level 2 Food Hygiene and Safety qualifications, fully funded through the Restart Scheme. Alongside this, Nor attended a range of employability workshops delivered in-house that covered job searching, CV writing, interview preparation, and application support.

Through tailored in-house training and practical workshops, the Restart Scheme helps participants overcome challenges, build confidence, and develop the skills employers are looking for. This personalised support empowers individuals to move closer to their career goals and achieve lasting employment.

Recognising Nor's ambition, Recruitment Manager Sadie identified vacancies with OCS, at a new cinema opening in the area, and was able to put her in touch with the employer to arrange an interview. With tailored interview preparation and ongoing support from Daniel, Nor completed the interview with confidence and was successfully offered a cleaning role with at the new cinema.

The Restart Scheme works closely with employers such as OCS to connect participants with new and emerging job opportunities. By building strong employer partnerships, we work to match candidates to suitable vacancies while providing tailored recruitment support, helping employers fill roles with motivated and job-ready individuals.

Daniel told us: “One of Nor’s barriers to work was travel and commuting to work, therefore I arranged funding for a bike and safety equipment, to ensure that this didn’t come in the way of her starting her new job. Nor is now thriving in her chosen career sector and building a brighter future through sustainable employment, and we are all really happy for her.”

We wish Nor all the best in her new career and for the future.