Zoe Haslam - Administration Assistant
EMPLOYABILITY IN ACTION
The Employability scheme has seen many success stories, Zoe Haslam, an Administration Assistant of Stirling Street Medical Centre, talks about her experience of the programme.
How did you first get involved with the Employability programme?
In my previous job, a colleague gave me a leaflet on Employability. When I left my job, I went to see my advisor at the job centre who also informed me of the scheme and it sounded ideal.
Why did you want to be part of the programme?
I am always aiming to further my knowledge and gain more experience. I had worked in retail for many years and wasn't happy in that particular field. It sounded perfect being on a placement, gaining experience for different directions, and especially in getting my foot in the door within th NHS/CTP. Also, being a lone parent, I wanted to further myself so that I could offer my son better things in life. I felt I was in a dead end job and couldn't go any further with anything related to it.
What help has the programme given you?
The programme has given me confidence in getting back on my feet, and I have wanted to further my knowledge in getting a better, more rewarding job. It helped me find a job too, one that suited me and the experience and knowledge I had picked up on the way.
What qualifications has the programme helped you to achieve?
Since being on the programme, I have attended many training courses, which have proven to be invaluable. I have an NVQ in Business Admin level 2 and attended courses such as medical terminology and minute taking.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I thoroughly enjoy my job. I am constantly learning new skills, and I know there is still always more to learn, so I know I can go further. I work with great people, who are very supportive and helpful in my role.
How has your life changed since getting involved with Employability?
My life has changed so much - I am now in paid employment, which has come from completing the programme. I had personal problems going on in my life when I was on my placement, but I think having to go out and get on with it, took the focus off me thinking about all the bad things going on - I needed to get out of the house, and needed to cheer myself up and get on with my life. I met some wonderful people and slowly started building up my life again. I have now moved house, have the money to do nice things with my son and started taking driving lessons. It definitely got me back on my feet.
And finally...
I believe that you can always go further. Sometimes life doesn't seem to be on your side, but you can get through it if you remain positive and focus on believing in yourself. Without the programme, I don't know where I would be, but I can hand on heart officially say that this programme has brought so much for me, my life is back on track - I finally feel I am back to the old me!_____________________________________________________________________
Gemma Staples - Administration Assistant
Gemma Staples has transformed herself into an award winning Administration Assistant using the local 'Employability' scheme.
Gemma, now Administration Assistant in Risk Management, after finding out about the 'Employability' scheme from her local job centre said, "I always wanted to do administration work but didn't have any relevant qualifications so I didn’t feel like I could apply for this type of work"
"The scheme offered me hours to work around my daughter’s school times and it has helped me get on training courses which ultimately helped me get the job I am in now."
After completeing the 26 weeks on placement and impressing the department she was in with her attributes and abilities, Gemma gained employment through the scheme and also won an award for, 'Achievement of the year for lone parents.'
"I would never have had the confidence to apply for administration work and Employability helped me to gain office experience. I am now doing a job that I love" said Gemma of her new position. Gemma is already recommending the scheme to friends and speaks highly of the 'Employability' staff, "the staff, like Employability Manager, Sharon Stead, are there to support and encourage along the way and help you to gain more confidence in yourself. Also supporting in qualifications to work towards and In house training."
Employability Participant wins Award
Christine Barber started Employability in December 2008 as an Administration Assistant in Clinical Governance. Christine has completed her NVQ Level 2 in Business Administration and attended all in-house training courses applicable to her placement role. Christine was nominated by Sharon Stead, Employability Co-ordinator for the annual Chief Executive Award, for her hard work, commitment and achievements. While attending Employability, Christine's confidence, knowledge and skills in administration has gone from strength to strength. Christine won the Award, plus £250.00 vouchers for Tesco's. All the Care Trust Plus staff are very proud of Christine for her accomplishments.
Congratulations and WELL DONE!!!
