European Social Fund in England
2007 - 2013
‘After attending the session I felt a lot more confident’
Carol Williamson had worked at the Woolworths distribution centre in Swindon for 19 years as an operator trainer, and had expected to continue working with the company until her retirement. When the news broke that all Woolworths’ stores and the distribution centre were to close, Carol felt in a state of shock. ‘It was a real body blow’ said Carol. ‘We were all looking forward to Christmas, and to get this news made me very worried, not only for myself, but for all my colleagues as well’.
As part of the support put in place by Swindon Jobcentre Plus and the European Social Fund (ESF) to help Woolworths’ employees, North Wessex Training held a number of sessions in Swindon between Christmas 2008 and the New Year, giving advice as to how best to re-gain employment, and which programme would be most suitable for them.
‘The advisor from North Wessex Training was very helpful’ Carol stated. ‘All I could think about over Christmas was if I was going to be able to find a job again. I knew it wasn’t going to be easy at my age, and that unemployment was beginning to rise. However, after attending the session I felt a lot more confident, and was able to enjoy the New Year’.
It was felt that Carol would be best helped by joining the Making Changes project which is aimed at people living in deprived wards in Wiltshire. The principle aim is to help clients get back into work as quickly as possible.
‘My advisor was a great help’ said Carol. ‘I felt completely at ease after our first meeting in January, and over the course she helped me produce a CV (something I haven’t had to do for a long time), discuss the sort of jobs I would be suitable for with my experience, write a cover letter and help me with job applications. I used to come away from our meetings really excited about the opportunities that I was considering.’
At the end of March 2009 Carol was successful in applying for a job at the Royal Mail sorting office at Thomas Valley in Swindon, and is still enjoying the work. ‘I am so grateful for all the help I received’ said Carol. ‘Without it I think I would still be unemployed. I have told a lot of my friends about the course, a number of whom have joined and got back to work as a result.’
‘In a time when the economy is tough, the Making Changes project can give someone the boost they need to get back on their feet.” said Russell Frith, Making Changes manager. ‘We are all delighted that Carol is back in the workplace, and able to face the future with more confidence.’
Project information (November 2009)
The Making Changes project is co-financed by the European Social Fund and the Department for Work and Pensions. It runs until June 2011 and will receive around £1.5 million from the European Social Fund.