Dilek’s Journey: Restart Scheme support leads to new beginnings
Dilek, a woman in her mid-forties living in Leicester, has faced remarkable challenges on her journey to employment. Originally a manager in the beauty industry in Türkiye, she relocated to the UK as a refugee. The move brought significant obstacles, including navigating a new job market, improving her English language skills, and rebuilding her confidence. Additionally, underlying health conditions added further complexity to her search for work.
Dilek’s determination to rebuild her life brought her to the Restart Scheme, a government initiative designed to help long-term unemployed individuals back into sustainable employment. Through the scheme, she was referred to Twin Employment, a delivery partner of Jobs 22.
Comprehensive support tailored to Dilek’s goals
Under the guidance of her Employment Coach, Asgar Suleman, Dilek received tailored support to address her unique challenges and aspirations.
Key support provided included:
Language support through ESOL classes: Improving her English was a vital first step, enabling Dilek to communicate effectively and access more opportunities.
CV creation and showcasing transferable skills: Asgar helped Dilek reframe her managerial experience in the beauty industry to appeal to employers in different sectors.
Job market navigation and goal setting: Together, they created short, medium, and long-term goals, with a focus on securing work while pursuing a beauty course.
Confidence building: Through coaching and encouragement, Dilek regained belief in her ability to succeed in the UK.
Dilek valued the supportive environment Asgar provided, sharing, “Asgar didn’t just see me as a refugee; he saw my potential. He believed in me and gave me the confidence to move forward, even when things felt difficult.”
From aspirations to achievements
In October, Dilek began her new role as a warehouse operator for a manufacturing company in Leicester, working 30 hours per week. Her role includes picking and packing stock based on daily orders, monitoring product quality, and maintaining organised stock levels. While this role is different from her previous managerial work, Dilek is thriving and happy in her current position.
Her Employment Coach, Asgar, reflected on her progress: “Dilek was attentive, punctual, and always eager to learn. Her dedication to achieving her goals was inspiring, and it’s been rewarding to see her flourish.”
Although Dilek’s long-term goal is to return to the beauty industry, she is embracing her current job as a stepping stone. She is also taking steps to pursue a beauty course, with support from Twin Employment, alongside her employment.
Dilek expressed her gratitude, saying, “This job represents a fresh start for me. It’s a chance to build stability while working toward my dream of re-entering the beauty industry. I’m so grateful for the Restart Scheme and Asgar’s unwavering support.”
A pathway to a brighter future
Dilek’s journey is a fantastic example how the Restart Scheme empowers individuals to overcome barriers and unlock their potential. By securing employment and actively working towards her long-term aspirations, Dilek is creating a new chapter in her life.
With the ongoing support of the Restart Scheme, delivered by Twin Employment, she has not only found stability but is also on a clear path to achieving her dreams.