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Shaun’s Story

middle aged man I was referred to the National Careers Service by my work coach at Jobcentre Plus in Newbury. I had been unemployed for seven months. I’d worked as a postman for Royal Mail for 20 years before a problem with my knee forced me to leave the job that I loved.

My initial visit involved me writing up a CV, as I didn’t have one. My adviser and I also discussed what type of work I wanted to do, and was physically able to do. I need to have the flexibility to be able to stand & sit as necessary. I’ve had previous experience of working in a local department store in the removals department and also in the funeral department and still felt that retail was something I could do. I have really good customer service skills and experience, and wanted to use it.

“A problem with my knee forced me to leave the job that I loved”

My IT skills were a bit rusty. So we agreed to create a CV focusing on my customer service experience, which I could use to apply for retail positions.

After a couple of months I wasn’t having any luck in securing a job in retail. So my adviser and I explored alternatives types of work that I might be interested in doing. As a result I decided to pursue a job in care work. My adviser made me aware of some free courses that were available and I registered for Nutrition for Older People. We tweaked my CV and added the training to it so that it was relevant to care work.

We also looked online at the local care home vacancies. I went on to contact a care home near me, who interviewed me for a job as a Carer. I was successful and start my new role next week. All of the help my adviser gave me meant that I have the confidence and tools to be successful in finding a job.

“I can’t recommend the National Careers Service enough.”

The National Careers Service provides free, up to date, impartial information, advice and guidance on careers, skills and the labour market in England to anyone aged 13 and upwards.

To speak to a National Careers Service adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our webchat (8am to 10pm, 7 days a week)

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