European Social Fund in England
2007 - 2013
‘The lessons were fantastic.’
Goretti Mannion originally got her job as factory operator at Uniq 26 years ago. Her work involved packaging sandwiches for Marks and Spencer and British Airways.
She always felt embarrassed with her skills and ability, particularly her dyslexia. Her son Matthew, who is at university also has dyslexia, so it has proved to be twice the battle for Goretti and her family. She knew one day she would have to address this, but was nervous about committing herself to a course. And by putting it off for so long she had developed insecurities and low confidence.
However, one day she noticed an advertisement for ESOL training (English for Speakers of Other Languages) at work, offered by Tresham Business Solutions. Goretti explains, “When I saw the advert for the training, I thought this could be what I need to help my confidence and give me the skills that I feel I am missing.”
Goretti signed up for the course and received special one-to-one tuition to help boost her confidence.
She said, “The lessons were fantastic; we covered a wide range of skills ranging from writing short stories to learning how to fill bank cheques. The tutor was very supportive and sympathetic to my situation, which made me feel more positive about doing the course.”
Corrina Woods, her line manager at Uniq noticed such an improvement in Goretti that she promoted her to a trainer. Corrina explains, “The difference in Goretti is incredible. She lacked so much confidence at the start of her course that the tutor had to do her assessment as a one-to-one, as she felt so uncomfortable in a group. Now she has passed the course, Goretti has been promoted to a trainer. Goretti’s new responsibilities include training new staff who work on the food line and she is doing a great job.”
Libby Langley, business solutions manager at Tresham said, “Our ESF-funded Train to Gain programme provides free and subsidised training to employers and volunteers working in Northamptonshire. The aim is to improve competitiveness, efficiency and employability of the workforce through improving the skills and competence of employees – and Goretti’s promotion proves just what can be achieved.”
Goretti continued her training and after completing Entry 2 ESOL she went on to study the Entry 3 ESOL. Her family have expressed how proud they are of their mother, Goretti adds, “I now write to my son at university and he comments on how my writing has improved.”
Project information (August 2009)
The Train to Gain programme, managed by Tresham Business Solutions, has been awarded £1.5 million from the European Social Fund and the Learning and Skills Council in the East Midlands.
The project runs from July 2008 to December 2010.