Building confidence – Sam’s story

When Sam joined the Restart Scheme, he had not long left education and therefore didn’t have much work experience, however, he was determined to find and start his working career.

During his initial appointment, he met with Employment Adviser Martin who got to know Sam and his interests in various job sectors. Martin told us: “When Sam joined, he immediately showed an interest in the in-house courses that were available and utilised any training on offer. Through the courses, he was able to improve on interview skills, self-confidence, budgeting money and other skills that would contribute towards him successfully finding work.”

The Restart Scheme can connect individuals with local employers and training opportunities, helping them to build confidence, develop transferable skills, and explore industries they may not have previously considered.

“The route to employment and the processes involved are not the same for all participants. Sam’s work experience, before joining the Restart Scheme, was mainly working for friends and family as a labourer assisting with general house maintenance, and general groundwork and landscaping.

“It was very difficult for Samuel to find gainful employment and to continue to improve his skills and experience, which in-turn knocked his confidence prior to joining the Restart Scheme.” Said Martin.

As a result of the in-house courses that Sam completed, he was able to work with Martin to create a gold standard CV and cover letter, which he confidently used to start applying for jobs. Martin shared:

“His persistence and resilience paid off and he was offered a job at a local recycling centre, with whom he is greatly looking forward to working for.

“Speaking with Sam now, he reflects with pride on how far he’s come. The support that he received has helped him to build confidence, sharpen his skills, and open doors to new possibilities. He is excited about what the future holds and grateful for the guidance that helped him get there.”

The Restart Scheme doesn’t stop at helping people into work, they continue to support participants once they’ve started a job. In-work support is tailored to individual needs and can include help with travel costs, work clothing, and managing the transition into employment.