Developing employability skills

The best part of my job is empowering people to reach their full potential.  It’s been a real privilege to see Josh grow in self-confidence and become focused on his career goals. I started supporting Josh during the Prince’s Trust employability skills week, when Severnside run CV writing and finding employment workshops, along with delivering mock-interviews.

Josh was initially very quiet and I soon realised that whilst he had gained good qualifications from school and college, he had somehow lost his way and wasn’t sure which career path he should take. I helped him secure employment with Social Telecoms and then into volunteering, which really boosted his confidence.

“Taking part in the Prince’s Trust team programme and receiving support from Edge pushed me to put myself out there and gain the confidence I needed to secure a place at University to study Applied Phycology,” explains Josh. “Getting involved in the local community and gaining work experience was just what I needed to start believing in myself and helped me focus on my future.”

Every day can be different.  Sometimes the support we give people like Josh can be life-changing, for others helping them create an up-to-date CV, or apply for a job online, can be all the help they need to get back into work and back on track.

You always hope that the work you do makes a difference, so I was thrilled to hear that Josh’s Mum Louise had posted a message on the Severnside Facebook account.  “I cannot thank you enough for what you have done to build my son’s self-esteem! You have been instrumental in giving Josh the confidence to move forward in his life.” posted Louise.  “I would particularly like to thank Edge for involving Josh in voluntary work at the Cyber Café.  He is currently looking for some work to tide him over until he goes to University in September. So, once again, thank you.

Severnside’s community Digital Dens in Meole Brace and Castlefields offer cyber-style café facilities with free internet access and support to get online.  Each Den has a weekly programme of events, including job clubs, drop-ins and digital training sessions.  You can find out more by visiting our Facebook page or our website.  You can also email me on ejiro.abboh@housingplusgroup.co.uk for help and advice.