Our Employability Officer, Gillian Scott has been working with many of our customers to support them in the right direction towards employment. Our employment and training support may mean the difference between a downward spiral of rent arrears and developing the capacity to work, generating income to cover rental payments.

Gillian recently helped a tenant who was looking to return to work following a relationship breakdown. Having been involved with the family business for over 20 years, she was unable to obtain references. She picked up a leaflet on our employability service while in at IHA’s reception and contacted Gillian for advice.

After getting advice from Gillian and looking into employability options, Gillian explored a few different areas of work with the tenant. It was apparent that she was a caring person and so working in the care industry seemed like the right path.

Gillian updated her CV, helped to complete application forms and worked on her confidence. She didn’t have anything suitable to wear to an interview and Gillian was able to give her vouchers to get her kitted out.

This journey had a bumpy ride to start with as her confidence was low and she doubted her own abilities, however once she started attending interviews there was no stopping her. In the end she was offered four jobs at the one time. She opted for a local authority care position where she has now completed her training and is working in the community. She thoroughly enjoys her role and said she couldn’t have done it without Gillian’s help and support.

Are you looking for work? Interested in training? Or even just need a hand updating your CV or getting to grips with online applications? Gillian can help!

Our Employability Officer can meet you in your local community or at home and…

•Provide you with an individual assessment and action plan setting out realistic goals

•On-going one-to-one tailored support

•Access to employability advice and guidance

•Access to skills, training and education

•Access to volunteering

•Support to make/update CV and covering letter

•Assistance with application forms and interview techniques

•Job search activity

•Drop-in work clubs

•Money and benefit advice
•In work support and aftercare

As a trusted housing provider, working closely with our customers and other partners, we are well placed to tackle the barriers to employment. We cannot be everything to everyone, but with cuts to benefits and the introduction of Universal Credit, our employment and skills work is even more essential.

For more information please contact Gillian Scott, Employability Officer on 01294 316752 or email [email protected]