Breaking barriers - Abdullah’s story

Abdullah joined the Restart Scheme with the goal of building a better future. However, like many individuals returning to work, Abdullah faced significant barriers - mostly with English language skills and a lack of confidence. These obstacles initially made it difficult for him to fully engage with opportunities and present himself effectively to employers.

The Restart Scheme supports participants in developing the skills needed to secure and sustain meaningful employment. For those requiring language support, we offer access to external courses or provide tailored in-house support, depending on individual needs and ability levels.

With consistent support and determination Abdullah began working closely with his Employment Adviser Daniel, to overcome these barriers. Early in his journey, he received tailored guidance to develop a professional CV that highlighted his strengths, skills, and previous work experience. This was the first step towards helping Abdullah feel more prepared and motivated.

Daniel and Abdullah worked collaboratively through a structured action plan, setting realistic targets and progressing steadily towards the goal of securing sustainable employment. Recognising the importance of effective communication, Daniel arranged access to translation services. This enabled Abdullah to engage more confidently in each session. This benefitted him in such a way that he felt confident enough to begin applying for jobs with his new and improved CV.

Daniel shared: “During each appointment, we practiced on his English and focused on communication skills to build his confidence and prepare him for interviews. This allowed Abdullah to make steady progress, improving both his language ability and his confidence in a work environment.”

Our experienced Employment Advisers provide comprehensive support to help participants prepare for upcoming interviews. This includes mock interviews, guidance on answering questions effectively, and developing positive interview behaviours to build confidence and improve performance.

“Thanks to his commitment and determination with the Restart Scheme, Abdullah has now successfully started full-time work at a local car wash centre. I was able to provide a voucher for Abdullah to buy some new clothes to start work in which he told me made him ‘feel good about himself.’ This is a significant achievement, and I have seen firsthand how far he has come to achieve his goals of finding work and independence with our support.”