Job flexibility – Tina’s story

Tina was referred to the Restart Scheme by her Work Coach after attending one of our sessions held by Restart Scheme Manager, Hannah, at Jobcentre Plus. Tina, who is in her fifties, speaks Vietnamese as her first language, and had struggled with finding employment by herself.

During her initial appointment, Tina met with Employment Adviser, Wendy who helped her to identify her transferable skills from previous work experience and set future job goals. Tina discussed what she felt were her barriers in finding a job, and that she needed support with CV writing, interview techniques, and IT skills.

The Restart Scheme offer in-house courses that help participants to upskill in the necessary areas required for the jobs they want. Our Skills Trainers deliver sessions in CV writing, interview skills, self-awareness, amongst other employability skills.

“Tina was having some issues around IT, so I prioritised our time in the Digital Hub, to ensure she was supported with applying for jobs online, whilst navigating the internet and online jobs market. Her digital skills significantly improved through our time together.” Said Wendy.

Our links with local employers mean that we hold regular ‘Sector Taster Days’, which gives participants an insight into what the roles entail in specific job sectors prior to applying.

“Following a Sector Taster Day at our office, it wasn’t long before Tina was invited to interview with the employer. Tina really took an interest in the cleaning sector and found that the flexibility of the role would work well for her. I was able to provide vouchers for Tina to purchase new smart clothes and we arranged a few mock interviews in preparation.”

Tina was successful at her interview, and with support from Wendy she obtained a DBS check and started work the following month. Tina’s new job role as a Cleaning Assistant, consists of flexible hours that suit her lifestyle and family commitments.

Our teams are on hand to provide tailored support to finding work that suits our participants. The Restart Scheme has links with local employers who offer flexible working which includes job sharing and part time hours. This ensures that our participants who are 50+ can still work and earn in a way that suits them.

“I was really overjoyed when I was offered the position with my employer. I was unemployed for over a year prior to this job and was keen to start work again. Thank you to Wendy and the team.”