Finding herself in a hostel after leaving prison, Winnie knew she wanted to change her life. She applied for a college course in IT and was keen to get a job as a secretary or administrator. But every role she applied for needed experience, something Winnie did not have. As time went on Winnie felt depressed, bored and unconfident.
Winnie heard about BAOH’s Ready for Work programme through her job skills coach and although she was anxious about taking up the placement, she took the opportunity to build up her experience and show her potential in a supportive environment as Sinead, Project Manager for Employment and Training at the Library of Birmingham, noticed:
“Winnie was clearly very focused on improving her life … When she arrived on placement she was determined to impress.”
After completing 2 days of training with BAOH, Winnie joined the team at Carillion’s Library of Birmingham for a two-week placement. Winnie worked hard on reception and with computer programmes and benefited from the support of her colleagues who gave her advice on writing her CV and preparing for interviews.
At the time, Carillion Training Services had been struggling to fill an administrator post. But through supporting people like Winnie, they have been able to identify and train local people to become part of their workforce. At the end of Winnie’s placement she felt confident enough to apply for the role and, after shining during the 2 weeks and at interview, she got the job:
“Getting support from the team at Carillion’s Library of Birmingham project really helped build my confidence. I was able to approach the interview knowing I had the experience for the role I was applying for … Now I have a job I love and it has made me a lot happier.”
Carillion and EAT are thrilled to have another local person back in work. And Winnie is delighted too. Her employers are accommodating her work hours around her college training so that she can complete her IT course. Winnie is now looking to get her own place to live and has decided that, once she has completed her course, she wants to go to University in Bournemouth to study Forensic Computing. With so much determination and all the support she needs from BAOH, EAT and Carillion, Winnie is sure to succeed.
