Ann Henderson decided to approach the National Careers Service after being a carer for a relative for over 10 years. While having experience, Ann wanted to find some support to get back into the workplace and contacted St Helens Chamber to get started.
Ann explained: “I came to the National Careers Service as I was hoping to go back into employment, due to wanting to take control of my life again. I really wanted to gain career satisfaction for myself too after being a carer for so many years.
“I booked an appointment with Ruby and not only was she my advisor, at times I felt she was my therapist, she helped me to believe in myself again and build my confidence.”
St Helens Chamber support people across the Liverpool City Region to find and apply for work. Support can be everything from CV writing, through to interview skills, training and much more.
As the National Careers Service for St Helens, qualified Careers Advisers are on hand to offer advice and insights into the local job market, and to help identify transferrable skills and suggest career routes.
Ann continued: “Ruby helped me with completing application forms and supported with me with tailoring my CV. In addition to this she completed mock interview support with me.
“Ruby also supported me in using the ‘NCS Explore Careers’ tool to update my CV and to look at Recycling Operative roles to understand what this role entails. I also used the ‘NCS Find a course tool’ in my appointments to get further support with my interview techniques”.
Since working closely with Ruby and the National Careers Service team, Ann has secured her dream role as a Recycling Operative, and is looking forward to a successful career with the skills she has gained.
Ann commented: “I took on board all the interview and CV writing advice, and also Ruby’s advice on how to research Recycling Operative roles further to understand more about the sector, this then helped me to approach my interview more confidently.
“Since attending my appointments with Ruby, I was successful in applying for a Recycling Operative role due to the support given when completing the application, I was then invited for an interview and was offered the position!”
National Careers Service appointments are completely free to anyone looking for careers advice. All advice is impartial and aimed at providing customers with the tools they need to successfully gain employment or progress in their careers.
Ann added: “I feel that I couldn’t have done this without Ruby’s support, Ruby provided me with the right tools and resources to gain my dream job role, she built my confidence and helped me to believe that I can actually do this!
“Working with the National Careers Service has massively improved my confidence and positivity. It also improved my outlook on the future as before the service I didn’t believe I would be able to work again as I was a carer for a family relative for over 10 years. I would 100% refer anyone who needs support to the National Careers Service.”
To find out more and book a free appointment, contact 01744 698800 or email info@thestartingpoint.org