Case Studies

Anthony didn't feel confident enough to apply for work, “I just didn’t feel job-ready”. The nextstep adviser worked with Anthony to look at the jobs and experiences he had and what skills Anthony had gained. “Just to see what I have achieved on paper and to think about skills and not jobs gave me a real shot in the arm, a real confidence boost”.

The adviser suggested looking at voluntary work as a first step towards Anthony’s goal of getting a job. The adviser put Anthony in touch with Middlesborough Voluntary Development Agency who matched his skills to a placement in a catering firm.

The placement led quickly to Anthony gaining a Food Hygiene Certificate - removing an important barrier to a successful career in catering. Now ready to look for a paid job, Anthony sought help from nextstep again with his job search. Through the Local Employment Partnership, Anthony landed a job and has started working towards more qualifications with Middlesborough Adult Education Service. “There is no stopping me now, my next step is the Local College and a catering qualification”.

“It’s Never too Late!” John explains how nextstep support got him into the career he always wanted.

John came to nextstep after leaving his job as a delivery driver. “I have always worked but talking to the adviser I realised what I really wanted was a trade, I should have worked harder at school so I could have gone into plumbing”.

At 29, John struggled to get a place on an NVQ course or find a work placement. With nextstep help, a place was negotiated at Hartlepool College, if John could find an employer for his placement. “the adviser helped me write a good CV and letters to employers, she helped me bring out my strengths”.

John had many ups and downs, particularly when he didn’t receive any responses to his letters. But he didn't give up, and after a few weeks a local company responded; inviting him for an interview. John was successful and has now started work and his NVQ, opening a new career and a trade in plumbing.