Case Studies

Clare Harbour- Entry to Employment/ Apprenticeship

Clare Harbour- Entry to Employment/ Apprenticeship

Clare who is 18 joined the E2E programme at NWT as she didn’t enjoy school and when she left she only had 3 GCSEs. When she was at school Clare felt as though there was no support and she was left to figure things out for herself. Although Clare didn’t like school when she left she wanted to go back as she felt like she was on her own and she had no teachers to tell her what to do.

“I am finding the apprenticeship very different from school but it is better than school. I am learning new things; if I was told at school that I would be an NVQ Level 2 in Customer Service I would have said ‘Yeah right, you’re having a laugh!’  I’m also getting the help I need here.”

E2E was a like second chance for Clare; the advisers on the programme gave her the support and confidence she needed without being too much for her. She has been able to meet lots of new people everyday who have helped her build her confidence and customer service skills. Clare is proud to be doing an NVQ 2 in Customer Service, she would never have believed she could do it if it hadn’t been for the support if her NWT advisor.

The apprenticeship has been an opportunity for her to gain experience and learn new skills for the future.

“The work on the apprenticeship is easy to understand but if there is something I don’t understand I have always got someone I can ask for help.”

Clare’s ultimate goal now is to achieve a full-time role in Administration or as a receptionist.

Case Study - Mike

Mike is a 57 year old man who has been unemployed for the past couple of years.  He came to us for some help with getting back into work including writing a CV, interview techniques etc. During a skills check it came to light that Mike had never used a computer, I discussed this with him and he said that he was very nervous and unsure of technology although he knew it would help him in any future employment if he was able to perform basic functions on a computer. After some reassurance and encouragement Mike agreed to give it a go and I enrolled him onto a Learndirect course called Switch On this is a real beginners’ course which teaches the learner to use the keyboard and mouse and to become familiar with computer functions.

Mike was literally shaking when he first sat in front of the computer, however, he quickly realised that it wasn’t going to explode if he pressed the wrong key! Mike worked well through this course he went over it several times until he could use the keyboard with confidence. Mike said, “a few weeks ago the thought of using a computer terrified me, I had got through this much of my life without using one and I couldn’t see why I needed to start now. However, I can now see how much it will help me in the future.”

Rachel Deakin, Learndirect Advisor at North Wessex Training

Case Study - Sally

Sally is a single mum of a 9 year old daughter. She had been through a very difficult divorce and her confidence was at rock bottom. Her Lone Parent Advisor suggested that she do some courses to improve her skills this would give her confidence a boost and prepare her for returning to work when her daughter is a little older. Sally had struggled at school and had not achieved the qualifications she wanted. I discussed her options with her and Sally decided that she would like to aim for level 2 qualifications in literacy and numeracy.

Sally completed her Learndirect assessments and then worked through the various courses and assignments.  Within a few weeks Sally was laughing and chatting with other learners in the centre. It was great to see her confidence growing daily as she realised that she was not as ‘stupid’ as people had often told her she was. Over the following months Sally achieved her Level 1 and Level 2 literacy and her level 1 numeracy she is still working towards her Level 2. Sally said, “North Wessex Training has made such a huge difference to my life, the staff are friendly and helpful, they have given me the support and guidance I needed at a very difficult time.  I am so pleased with what I have achieved I now feel there is a lot to smile about again."

Rachel Deakin, Learndirect Advisor at North Wessex Training

Martyn Adrey

Martyn Adrey

"North Wessex Training is good because you can achieve the important parts you missed out on in school. I have met a lot of friends and it keeps me learning new things."
Martyn Adrey

Katrina

Katrina

"e2e training is filled with lots of activities to do. It has a relaxed adult atmosphere, and you don’t feel pressured. You have help and assistance from the tutors with any problems, so everything goes smoothly."
Katrina Kibble

Ryan

Ryan

"North Wessex Training is a good place to go. There are lots of helpful and understanding tutors and people with similar issues. I like the activities and projects there are to do.  It gives me something to do and I am learning for the future ahead of me."
Ryan Gallagher

Shaun

Shaun

"When I started e2e I didn’t think it was going to be that much fun. But I started to meet new people and try new things that I’ve never done before. Also, there are people that you can talk to about anything."
Shaun Smith-Williams

Mark Witt- Care Course

I was unemployed from the construction industry for sometime when I was referred to North Wessex Training by the Jobcentre, I was going to improve my basic skills but on my induction I was told by the centre manager they were about to start a care course and would I be interested.

I started the course, and within a month I had gained my Adult Numeracy Levels 1 and 2 and my Adult Literacy Level 2. I also went on to gain my Food Safety and Hygiene Level 2, Induction to care, and my Health and Safety, as a group we moved on to spend a great day achieving our First Aid Certificate.

I had all my qualifications but I was still unsure what line of care I wanted to go into, I didn’t want to go and work in a care home but I always thought I would enjoy working with children, so I started a work placement at The Rise Children Centre, I was also a volunteer for their Youth Clubs and for the Salvation Army working with the disabled children.

After the first day I couldn’t believe I hadn’t tried it before because I loved it, all the staff were great, and so were the children, after seven or eight weeks I was coming to the end of my placement but I had made myself so valuable that they didn’t want to let me go, so I had an extension for six weeks, at the end of the six weeks I was offered employment and the chance to do my NVQ3 in Child Care and Child Development, also the opportunity to do Football coaching something I always wanted to do.

I am now just about to start my first week as an employee at the Children’s Centre and I can’t wait, but none of this would be possible without the help and support from all of the staff at North Wessex Training. My advice to anyone would be to have a go at something different, you may surprise yourself and enjoy it, give it a go it does work but you have to want it to work.