Ena – Unlocking New IT Skills
Ena, aged 65 from the Croydon area, had been made redundant and lost her job a few years ago. However, she was determined to tackle the job market again before retirement and learn valuable IT skills along the way.
When she joined Making a Difference in May of 2022, Ena had just been referred to the service by her local Job Centre Plus.
She had a lot of previous experience working as a cleaner for 15 years. This was a job Ena could very much see herself picking up again, but she also wanted to upskill and learn something new as part of her career journey.
How Did We Help?
When Ena first met with Employment Coach Luchiya, she felt uncertain about the future and was struggling to find the right starting point for getting back into work.
From their first conversation, Ena discovered that she would benefit from updating her basic IT skills. This would enable her to gain more confidence when looking for a job online.
Together, Ena and Luchiya focused on creating a winning CV and printed several copies Ena could take to job fairs and interviews with her.
How to Improve IT Skills Later in Life?
Following her sessions with Coach Luchiya, Ena enrolled in an IT skills improvement course with a local organisation. There, she made great leaps and started to send emails with attached documents regularly.
Soon, Ena had built her IT skills and confidence. More often than not, she brought her laptop into her sessions with Luchiya to search for jobs online. With her coach’s help, she identified the best opportunities and navigated the process of applying for jobs on the internet.
She also continued attending local job fairs as well as several interviews and learned what to look out for in a suitable employer and work environment.
At the end of her time on the Making a Difference Programme, Ena had finished her IT skills course and was looking for work independently. Her Coach Luchiya is thrilled with her progress:
“Ena is much more independent and now has IT skills. Having updated her CV, she feels more hopeful and confident. She’s even considering volunteering positions where she could help in her community. Whatever the future brings, Ena is ready to face it.”
Summarising her experience over the past months, Ena herself is delighted with her achievements and the programme’s support:
“Thanks to all the team and thanks to you, Luchiya. It was a pleasure working with you. You are brilliant!”
Career Guidance To Get You Where You Want To Be
Making a Difference is an initiative match-funded by the European Social Fund (ESF). We help people of all ages find their way into work or training by providing tailored one-to-one guidance and support. Whether you are returning to work after a career break, considering working for the first time or simply want to try something new. We can help you figure out the next step for you.
Contact our friendly team to learn more and start your journey today!
