At the age of 23 I was still unemployed and struggled to find a job because I didn’t have any work experience.  I went to college to gain an Art & Design qualification but this didn’t work out for me and I was worried about my future.  I started doing some voluntary work in my local charity shop to try and get some experience but I was still struggling and didn’t know what else I could do.  When I was referred to lifework by my advisor at the jobcentre I was worried about what they would expect of me and hoped that they might be able to help me move forward and find a job, any job!

On my very first visit I immediately felt welcome because the staff there were polite, friendly and approachable.  I was introduced to my coach who was really down to earth and had lots of ideas on getting me on the right to track to employment.  I left that day feeling very hopeful!

I continued to meet my coach and the employment team regularly.  I also undertook some work experience on my coaches advice which I found really valuable as it made me more motivated to get into employment.  Soon after completing my work experience I was set up with a full time employment opportunity by the employment team.  I couldn’t believe it when I was told that I had the job.

I’ve been working for 9 months now and have been promoted to a managerial position very recently.  I am so glad that I was referred to lifework because it was just what I needed to get me on the path to employment.