Case Studies
Steven was referred to the nextstep service from the Jobcentre to help him explore his career options. Steven was on long-term sick, due to an injury he sustained whilst working in the manufacturing industry. His injury prevented him from returning to this field of work.
Steven identified with his nextstep Adviser that he needed help with improving his English, Maths and IT skills in order to find suitable employment. Steven also identified that improving these skills would help him assist his children with their homework.
The nextstep Adviser helped Steven look at the different learning options available to him. Steven particularly wanted to study at a Training provider that was local to him and in a classroom environment where there was a Tutor available for support.
The nextstep Adviser found a local Training provider who provided the right courses and suited Steven’s learning style. Steven immediately enrolled on the ‘Skills for Life’ course during his nextstep interview. Steven will start the Skills for Life course in January 2009 and is looking forward to improving his skills in order to make a career change.
Nicola contacted her local nextstep service as she was due to be made redundant and needed help finding a new job. Nicola’s goal was to find a new job that enabled her to work around her children, which she realised could often be difficult to find.
Nicola worked with her nextstep Adviser in order to agree a plan of action which included updating her CV, improving her job-search skills and help with looking at the types of roles which would be flexible around her childcare commitments.
Following her initial nextstep advice session Nicola kept in contact with her nextstep Adviser to review suitable job opportunities and apply for new positions. During this time Nicola was extremely focused on achieving her goal and was very pro-active in her job-search activities. Nicola also enrolled on a CLAIT course in this time in order to improve her computer skills. Nicola’s long-term goal was to find a new job which enabled her to use her new skills.
Nicola contacted her nextstep Adviser to inform her that she had found a new job and had completed her CLAIT qualification. Nicola had also enrolled on the European Computer Driving License course to further improve her IT skills.
Nicola said “I found the service extremely beneficial and supportive and would recommend it to everyone”.
William had been referred to nextstep by Skelmersdale Probation Office, after spending some time in custody.
He faced several obstacles to getting into work as he had little employment history, and no relevant qualifications. He was confused and demotivated about ever finding work.
William's nextstep adviser began by helping write his C.V. and build his confidence by explaining how to use a CV when applying for work or attending interviews. The adviser also helped William put together a covering letter to employers and discussed the best way for him to disclose his convictions.
They decided that attending a Construction Safety Certification Scheme Course (CSCS) would be a good starting point, as it covers a range of subjects, including health and safety. This would allow William to work in a range of environments.
William successfully completed the course and gained the CSCS qualification. With the help of his nextstep adviser he found a full-time job at an ASDA Warehouse.
William's adviser said “William really benefited from nextstep. He now has an excellent CV and disclosure letter, which he feels confident sending to employers.”
“He's very happy in his new job, and we're pleased that we were able to help him get it.”
