European Social Fund in England
2007 - 2013
“I’m really happy in my new role”
When 55-year-old father of two, Paul Smith from Lois Weedon, Northamptonshire was made redundant from Farnell UK back in April 2009, he was disorientated and in denial for quite some time until he received help from a new European Social Fund (ESF) ‘Response to Redundancy’ (R2R) training programme run by Apricot Management.
Paul built up many years experience in the electronics and telecoms industry, even running his own business at one stage. Being made redundant was a real shock for Paul as his role as a corporate account manager was gaining momentum and he was achieving his targets.
When Paul went along to Towcester Job Club, he met Sue Concannon from Apricot Management who explained more about some of the services they offered. After face-to-face meetings, interview coaching and preparation and a review of his CV, Paul has now started a new job as sales manager for Milton Keynes-based Inov8 Science Ltd.
The R2R project is helping people who are currently in the consultation process, under notice of redundancy or have recently lost their jobs, by offering them free, flexible training to boost their skills so they can move quickly back into work.
Paul said: “I applied for my current job after being head-hunted by an agency. Sue’s direct one-to-one coaching on interview techniques was absolutely crucial two days before my second and final interview for my new job.”
“I’m really happy in my new role as a sales manager for a small engineering company who manufacture an air-disinfectant product targeting infections like MRSA, Swine Flu and C. Difficile. I have been hired to expand the product into the education sector which means I can take advantage of the contacts in universities and schools that I built up in several of my previous roles.”
“I would certainly recommend attending an appointment with Apricot Management. Sue helped me address a lot of my underlying issues and helped me restore my confidence.”
And for anyone in a similar position, Paul gives this advice, “Sign-on immediately, sort out any mortgage insurance and seek advice from a training and career specialist on day one.”
Sue Concannon from Apricot Management said: “Like Paul, many people who are made redundant feel angry, disappointed and are anxious about the future. People’s confidence can be knocked and for others who have been in the same job for years, the prospect of re-training or having to learn new skills can be daunting.”
“Paul was out of work for six months but during this time I helped Paul with career direction and what his choices were, what jobs would most suit his personality and current skills and most crucially, reviewed and updated his CV. It’s great that Paul was head hunted and that he was able to use my help and advice to secure a job which he is really enjoying.”
Project information (November 2009)
The Response to Redundancy project delivered by Apricot Management is being funded out of an additional £12.5 million from the ESF and Learning and Skills Council (LSC) funds managed by the LSC across the East Midlands. The project will receive just under £500,000 from the European Social Fund.