Boosting skills - Lynda's story

When Lynda first joined the Restart Scheme, she had recently lost her long-term job of ten years and wasn’t sure of what to do next. She explained:

“I had been in the same job for a long time, so I was unsure as to what the job market looked like and the next steps to take. The job application process had changed a lot since, and the last time I started a job was through word of mouth.

"I am not very tech savvy, so I found completing applications on the computer very difficult. My CV had not been updated in quite some time, and I wasn’t feeling confident about interviews. Overall, I was feeling anxious about what lay ahead.”

The Restart Scheme offers a wide range of in-house courses that help participants build on existing skills while learning new ones. Participants can benefit from CV workshops, interview techniques and sector taster days, delivered either in group sessions or one-to-one.

Lynda met with her Employment Adviser, Jess who got to know her situation and circumstances around finding work. Together they identified multiple health barriers and discussed how they could find suitable work around these that would support her and help to build confidence. Jess enrolled Lynda to several of our in-house courses to help her with confidence and to prepare her for upcoming interviews.

Lynda shared: “Jess has supported me with completing application forms on the computer, and now I feel so much more confident applying for jobs online. I have spent time with their Recruitment Manager, Alice, who has also supported me with looking at jobs that I hadn't initially considered.”

Our teams support participants to recognise their transferable skills and understand how these strengths apply across different roles and sectors. This helps them explore the job market with confidence and present their value to employers.

“I have been offered a part-time cleaning job that I am really enjoying. Without the help and support of the amazing colleagues at the Restart Scheme, I would not feel as confident in myself and my abilities. I am pleased that I have found something to help me boost my skills and confidence", said Lynda.