Career routes – Collin’s story

Collin was referred to the Restart Scheme by his Jobcentre Plus Workcoach, for support with changing his career direction. Collin had previously worked as a skilled construction worker, but due to his age and health concerns, he was determined to find another job sector that was less physically demanding.

Upon joining he met with Employment Adviser, Jenny, who delivers the Restart Scheme via Northern Rights. Jenny assessed Collin’s situation and job goals, and from this they set a plan of action together with targets that would help him to achieve his end goal.

Our skilled Employment Advisers are on hand to support participants with changing career routes, and we cover everything in between to ensure they are fully prepared to enter sustainable employment.

Together Jenny, and Collin explored career paths, discussing what each sector requires in terms of physical labour and skillsets, this helped Collin to navigate his options. Jenny told us: “After discussions on career paths, Collin discovered his passion for helping others and set his sights on becoming a support worker - a role he felt perfectly matched his positive personality and calm temperament.

“Collin applied for a position with a national care provider and was invited to interview shortly after. The interview posed a challenge for Collin as it was online, but we were able to arrange to assist him with this at our office. Prior to his interview we worked on the prep, and practiced interview questions and answers together.

“Collin certainly made an impression at his interview and was offered the job straight after!”

The support from Restart Scheme doesn’t stop once our participants find work. We offer in-work support for their first six months at work, to ensure their transition is as smooth as possible.

Before starting his new role, Collin utilised all the support that was on offer from Jenny and the team, completing courses in IT skills to boost his confidence and knowledge around working with computers and emails. Jenny completed a Better Off Calculation with Collin to give him an idea of the earning he could make based on the hours he would be working.

Jenny helped Collin to access financial support for his transport costs while on the Restart Scheme and for the first month of his new job, to ensure going back into employment didn’t impact him financially. Jenny shared:

“We wish Collin all the best in his new career, and for the future.”