Pictured above: Paul Smith
When father of two, Paul Smith (55) from Lois Weedon,
Northamptonshire was made redundant from Farnell UK back in April
2009, he was disorientated and in denial for quite some time until
he received help from a new Euro-funded 'Response to Redundancy'
(R2R) training programme.
Paul built up many years experience in the electronics and
telecoms industry, even running his own business at one stage.
Being made redundant was a real shock for Paul as his role as a
corporate account manager was gaining momentum and he was achieving
his targets.
When Paul went along to Towcester Job Club, he met Sue Concannon
from Apricot Management who explained more about some of the
services they offered. After face-to-face meetings, interview
coaching and preparation and a review of his CV, Paul has now
started a new job as sales manager for Milton Keynes-based Inov8
Science Ltd.
Apricot Management's R2R project is being funded out of an
additional £12.5 million from the European Social Fund (ESF)
and LSC funds managed by the Learning and Skills Council across the
East Midlands. The funding will help people who are currently in
the consultation process of, under notice of redundancy or have
recently lost their jobs, by offering them free, flexible training
to boost their skills so they can move quickly back into
work.
Paul said: "I applied for my current job after being head-hunted
by an agency. Sue's direct one-to-one coaching on interview
techniques was absolutely crucial two days before my second and
final interview for my new job.
"I'm really happy in my new role as a sales manager for a small
engineering company who manufacture an air-disinfectant product
targeting infections like MRSA, Swine Flu and C. Difficile. I have
been hired to expand the product into the education sector which
means I can take advantage of the contacts in universities and
schools that I built up in several of my previous roles.
"I would certainly recommend attending an appointment with
Apricot Management. Sue helped me address a lot of my underlying
issues and helped me restore my confidence.
And for anyone in a similar position, Paul gives this advice:
"Sign-on immediately, sort out any mortgage insurance and seek
advice from a training and career specialist on day one."
Sue Concannon from Apricot Management said: "Like Paul, many
people who are made redundant feel angry, disappointed and are
anxious about the future. People's confidence can be knocked and
for others who have been in the same job for years, the prospect of
re-training or having to learn new skills can be
daunting.
"Paul was out of work for six months but during this time I
helped Paul with career direction and what his choices were, what
jobs would most suit his personality and current skills and most
crucially, reviewed and updated his CV. It's great that Paul was
head hunted and that he was able to use my help and advice to
secure a job which he is really enjoying."