Working around the school run – Carli’s story

When Carli was referred to the Restart Scheme, she shared with us that she lacked confidence when applying for jobs because of her career gaps, due to raising her family. During her initial meeting with Employment Adviser Lucy, she explained her areas for concern with going back into work, including being able to afford childcare as a single parent.

Lucy was able to support Carli by completing a ‘Better Off Calculation’, which broke down what she could be earning, to compare against potential childcare costs, entitlements, and outgoings. This provided a clearer insight to the benefits of being in paid employment to Carli, and with that, she started to work on her CV with Lucy, highlighting her qualities and assessing transferrable skills to open more opportunities when applying for different job sectors.

With a fresh, updated CV, and a boost in confidence, Carli felt she was job ready, and began applying for various suitable job roles. When Carli was invited to her first interview during the Restart Scheme, Lucy was able to provide vouchers for interview clothes and cover her travel costs, to ensure she was financially prepared for her day.

Following Carli’s successful interview at a local Funeral Directors, we were more than happy to hear the below during an in-work support call:

“The Restart Scheme has helped me greatly with my confidence and helping me to feel like I am part of the big world again. Lucy, my Employment Adviser, has been an amazing support, always making me feel like I’m good enough, and just putting a smile on my face when I’ve been feeling a bit defeated.”

Lucy told us: “Carli has been a fantastic participant, as a single mother she only ever looked for solutions, instead of focusing on barriers around working life for her family. Carli has attended training, had CV support, applied for so many positions and remained positive consistently.

"Carli deserves this exciting role, and I wish her all the best in her bright future.”