Pictured above: Karen Harris
A Shrewsbury woman has found the career change she needed after
being made redundant twice!
Karen Harris, 46, from Copthorne in Shrewsbury had been made
redundant twice while working as a cable assembler for 8
years.
Karen said "After being made redundant a second time, my
confidence was rock bottom and I felt that I didn't have the
knowledge of how to apply for jobs or the skills I needed, such as
IT. I really wanted a complete change in career, but wasn't sure
how to achieve this."
In January 2010, Karen was referred to County Training, part of
Shropshire Council, by Jobcentre Plus on the Employability Skills
Programme.This programme is designed for individuals wishing to
improve their literacy and numeracy skills, to assist in finding
sustainable employment.
During her time with County Training, Karen achieved an ASDAN
(Award Scheme Development and Accreditation Network) Employability
Skills Award, which covers such topics as teamworking,
communication, telephone and interviewing skills and CV and letter
writing. Karen also achieved City and Guilds Level 2 in Literacy
and Level 1 in Numeracy.
With County Training's continued assistance, Karen applied for a
position as a Nursery Assistant at Priory Lane Nursery in
Shrewsbury and successful in her application, she started work in
May 2010.
Karen commented" I am so glad that I came to County Training. I
have gained so much more confidence now and I have got more get up
and go. The support I received in gaining my literacy, numeracy and
Employability Skills award has helped me to get the job I have
always wanted."
Councillor Steve Charmley, Portfolio Holder for Culture and
Leisure, commented "County Training assists many individuals such
as Karen back into work, they also offer a host of different
training oportunities. I would encourage anyone looking to find
employment to get in touch with them"