At 55 I had been out of work for some time and had spent five years acting as a full-time carer for a close family member. When that family member passed away, I started to look for full-time work, and went to my local Job Club, where I spoke to a National Careers Service adviser.
I really wasn’t sure what type of work I wanted to get into. I’d been out of work for so long. With the help of the adviser, I was able to explore my interests. We also looked at job profiles on the National Careers Service website. I had a background in farming and land work, and experience caring for people and animals. This prompted me to pursue work in the animal care sector.
“With the help of the adviser I was able to explore my interests”
We created a Careers and Skills Action Plan, and I identified the areas I wanted support with. I wanted to gain experience in the sector, tailor my CV so that it was appropriate to that industry. I also felt I needed support with job applications and preparing for interview. We also identified a Basic IT course, which I enrolled on to improve my skills and confidence when using computers.
Within a week, I had created my new CV. I’m now in the process of gaining a volunteering position with the local Authority Dog Warden team. Next February I’ll be applying for an employed position when their recruitment window opens, and the National Careers Service will be helping me through the application process and will help me prepare for the interview by supporting me with mock interview scenarios.
