Returneeship – No longer in the corner

“I enjoyed the course so much that I wanted to do it again!” is how Janet sums up her experience of the Returneeship course she completed in Eston. Prior to the Returneeship, Janet had been out of work for three years after being made redundant from her job as a cleaner in a shopping centre. With mild learning difficulties, which meant that while she knew what she wanted to say, she could not express it properly, interviews proved challenging. All of this had a negative impact on Janet’s self-confidence.

Through her work coach, Janet heard about the Returneeship. Although she did not know what to expect, Janet thought that worst case scenario she could sit in a corner and no one would know. However, on the first day, Janet volunteered herself to be part of the photography team. It was her first time taking part in anything photography related and she loved that she learned something new from day one which increased her confidence.

Over the rest of the course, Janet enjoyed getting out of the house and back into a routine. She also met new people and is still friends with two of her fellow learners on the course.

Practising interview skills helped Janet prepare answers to possible questions she might face in interviews. The work she completed during the course on previous work experience and personal qualities, Janet says “Gave me a boost and made me aware of the skills I did have to offer an employer.” With no chance to sit in the corner, after the course Janet was successful in gaining a part-time cleaning job, with the opportunity of overtime, at Cargo Fleet where she has now been for the past eight months. Although several years away, Janet is looking to stay in this role until retirement as she is loving her new job!