Case Studies

Maxine joins a "Computers for beginners" course

Maxine is in her mid 50’s and contacted nextstep South West seeking help to find a digital photography course. She was looking forward to going on the holiday of a lifetime in Kamchatka to photograph brown bears. She wanted to ”go digital” so that that she wouldn’t have to worry about the cost of processing the hundreds of photos she would take if she was lucky enough to see a bear.

Maxine was worried that she didn't have enough computer skills to cope with the course. A Careers Adviser explored the options with her, and Maxine enrolled on a Computers for Beginners Course with Enterprise Tamar. This would allow Maxine to gain a solid foundation in computing and to fill in gaps in her word processing skills, file management, using the internet and e-mail. A small grants project enabled Maxine to see what the courses would be like through an "Internet and e-gov taster", as well as a "First Time On Line" taster session.

Maxine discovered she had an aptitude for IT, and it wasn’t long before she used the Internet to find out more about her holiday destination and purchase her own computer. Staff at Enterprise Tamar provided information about the various methods of ensuring safe backup of her precious holiday photos to give her peace of mind. She now has all her photos on CD and is thrilled with her achievements in such a short time. Maxine has enrolled on the next digital photography course so that she can enhance and edit her photos.

Gary changes careers

Gary worked in a petrol station, but had suffered from depression for a number of years and could no longer cope with the night shifts. Gary met with a Careers Adviser from nextstep South West and soon realised that to get himself back into alternative work, he needed to build on his skills and confidence.

Gary completed some skills and interest diagnostics which helped him to understand the skills he already had and what his work interests. With the help of the Careers Adviser Gary created an action plan so he had some achievable goals to work towards. The result of the diagnostic test showed that Gary enjoyed working with his hands, practical work and working with a team of people. The job suggestions included warehouse work. The Careers Adviser explored appropriate courses for this type of work and Gary started on a course which would enable him to get a forklift licence to use in a warehouse. Gary had help with the course fees for this training as he was unemployed and receiving benefits.

Once he has completed the course, Gary hopes to start a temporary contract in a warehouse which could lead to him being offered permanent employment.

Rod finds a new career path

Rod was referred to nextstep South West by Torquay Jobcentre Plus. He was claiming Income Support and was the main carer for his two teenage children who have learning disabilities. Rod was aware that once his children were eighteen they would be entitled to receive their own benefits. Rod decided to start thinking about retraining to prepare for that time.

Rod completed a computer software programme called Adult Directions which provided several job suggestions, including Youth Worker. Rod was keen to explore this and nextstep South West provided him with contacts and information, local training courses and qualifications as well as labour market information.

The local Youth Offending team in Torbay made work experience available once a CRB check had been received. Rod worked with young offenders on a one-to-one basis which confirmed his interest in working with young people and an action plan has been drawn up with the Careers Adviser, which recommends Rod investigates the career paths for Youth Work, Social Work and Probation Officer.