RESTART SCHEME - FIRST OF THOUSANDS

Supporting our first participant to job success: building confidence and increasing opportunities.

Joe Castagna, Jobs 22 Employment Coach, explains the support and guidance he provided to Jobs 22's first participant to secure a role.

When I first engaged with the participant, he already had an interview booked in for the following week. But you shouldn’t keep all your eggs in one basket so I encouraged him to follow up on other opportunities. As a result, he ended up having three interviews booked for the following week. The job he secured was actually from the third and final interview. Having the confidence to go for it and maximise opportunities where possible can often ensure a positive result.

Ahead of the interviews, we worked together closely to talk through the company, undertake research, and run through example questions. Our preparations were thorough; we looked at public transport routes, and I expedited support with travel costs to give the participant every chance of success. The participant found the Jobs 22 app very useful and a definite confidence booster.

The participant had been through major surgery meaning health had been a barrier to work in the past. So, part of their action plan was to keep regular contact with the GP for continued support in this area. The participant was highly willing to collaborate with me to get back to work. After each interview, we'd analyse what went well and reflect on how they were feeling and lessons learnt.

We were both delighted when the participant secured his first job in many years. We've kept in regular contact since to make sure he has the support he needs to settle into a new job. Of course, I call around their shifts; flexibility is critical when someone has just taken on a new commitment. It’s my first participant so being able to ensure that our processes work as they should and see the difference we can make in such a short time is very fulfilling. It’s a great feeling and I’m ready for more! I couldn’t have done it without the support from all the Luton team, our participants hugely benefit from our team’s collaborative spirit and experience.