How We Developed Karen’s Confidence and Employability Skills

Background

Karen McKenna was referred to CEIS Ayrshire from the Kilbirnie Jobcentre after moving back to the Garnock Valley from down south. She was eager to start a new chapter in her life but was also anxious about returning to work after years spent raising her family. Karen recognised that this was an opportunity to build a new career, but she felt nervous and unsure about how to re-enter employment after 20 years.

Initial Assessment

Ian Shaw was assigned as Karen’s Key Worker to support her in finding suitable employment. During the first meeting, it became clear that Karen had a range of valuable skills and experience, but her self-confidence needed a boost. She had done voluntary work in the past but hadn’t recognised its value in the job market. The goal was to help her recognise her potential and boost her self-esteem. We also aimed to equip her with the tools to confidently approach potential employers.

Building Confidence and Skills

Ian started by creating a new CV that highlighted Karen’s soft skills and past voluntary work. He showed her how these skills could be applied to paid employment. As they both worked together on this, Karen’s confidence grew, and she began to see how much she had to offer. Karen’s CV was then uploaded to various online employment websites.

Through in-depth discussions, Karen expressed interest in working within the Care Sector, as it was a field she would enjoy and be satisfied in. To support the move into this industry, Karen was enrolled in our Care Academy’s online accredited courses. These courses provided her with certifications and gave her a greater understanding of the care role, further increasing her confidence. She completed the courses and attended additional employability sessions with our Skills and Training team.

Ongoing Support and Job Search

Throughout the process, Karen and Ian had regular one-on-one meetings to review progress and identify suitable job opportunities. Ian helped Karen match her existing skills with a variety of vacancies, reassuring her when she felt unsure about applying. These discussions, coupled with the skills she was developing, helped her become more reassured in her job search.

When a local care vacancy became available through our Business Services Team, Ian immediately informed Karen. He made sure the position aligned with her career goals before submitting her CV to the company. An interview was arranged, and we did thorough interview preparation to help her feel confident. As it had been many years since her last interview, we worked on overcoming her nerves by reviewing potential questions and discussing how best to answer them.

The Outcome

Karen’s hard work paid off, she performed well in her interview and was offered the position. She is now happily employed in a local care role. Her dedication and focus, combined with the guidance she received from Ian, enabled her to successfully move back into the world of work and secure a fulfilling role in the care sector.

Testimonial

“It was actually Ian that put me onto the job I have now. Ian phoned me to tell me about the position, asking if I was interested. I was and Ian sent in my C.V. Thistle Knowe called me the next day for an interview, which went really well thanks to the interview coaching provided by Ian.

Ian was really easy to work with. I was apprehensive about work search at the start as I’d been out of work for about 20 years, everything about looking for work and applying for work has changed. I found it easier with each week that went by and found my sessions with Ian incredibly productive. It was a pleasure to work with him, and woohoo!! Now I have a job that I’m really enjoying.”

Get in Touch Today

At CEIS Ayrshire, we are committed to helping you build confidence, develop skills, and find a fulfilling job that matches your potential. Whether you’ve been out of work for years or are looking for a new challenge, our dedicated team is here to support you every step of the way.

If you need support getting into employment contact us by using the form below.