Boost your job prospects

How we've helped Remmington Mills find the right skills

Remmington Mills (Rem), 55, from Middlesbrough felt his lack of qualifications were holding him back from finding a job. Rem's achieved qualifications in IT, employability, English and maths with us. He's now found work.

Rem says: "After being made redundant, I went to learndirect to improve my IT skills because I'd never used computers before.

"My tutors helped me write a CV and I found a temporary job with Royal Mail over Christmas. Having IT skills meant I was able to fill out applications forms and apply for jobs online."

He's now got a permanent job at a casino. Rem agrees team working and communication skills are important: he's got more confidence in these skills since learning with learndirect.

How we've helped Nita Sproston find the right skills

Nita, 59, had worked at Blackpool Council for 30 years. But she was made redundant in September 2011.

She came to learndirect because she didn't know how to use a computer and wasn't confident with job interviews. She's now found a new job.

"I felt really low when I first came to learndirect," says Nita, but learning new IT skills really helped boost her confidence.

"My tutors helped me to create a CV because I'd never had to do one before. With my new CV I got invited to a job interview and have just found out I've got the job as a passenger assistant."

How we've helped Steven Price find the right skills

Steven Price from Bradford, used to work in the building trade but lost his job. So Steven really wanted to learn some new skills and get qualified to find work again.

"When I first came to learndirect I didn't know how to use a computer. But on my first day I started my IT course. Now I can use the internet and send emails", says Steven.

Steven now wants to get his work skills qualification to help him write his CV and apply for jobs.

"I'd recommend learndirect to anyone to help them get qualifications to get back into work", says Steven.

How we've helped Kirsten Fleur find the right skills

Kirsten Fleur Lea, 39, from Leicester, was made redundant from her job as a behavioural mentor in August 2011. She decided it was time to focus on her own needs and gain new skills to help improve her job prospects. She wanted to get a job in admin and realised that she needed an IT qualification to help boost her CV and secure an admin role.

Kirsten has been working towards getting her IT qualification at Level 2 and has gained skills in word-processing, spreadsheets, presentations and IT productivity. To boost her job prospects further, she's planning on re-taking her maths and English to improve her GCSE grades.

She says, "I know that I'm going to be in a much better position to get a job soon."

How we've helped Bernard Wall find the right skills

Bernard Wall from Coventry used to work as a painter and handyman. But he was forced to give up work because of ill health.

After a few years out of work he came to learndirect to gain the qualifications he needed to get a new job.

He soon gained his maths and English qualifications and also took an employability course to get help with his job seeking skills.

"My tutor told me about a new employability course. This covered lots of things which other courses didn't offer, like CV writing and practice applying for a real job."

He's now getting job interviews and is much more confident he'll get a job soon.

How we've helped Miranda Bartlett find the right skills

Miranda Bartlett from Stevenage wanted to get back into work after having children, but found she'd need IT skills to get a job.

Miranda had a plan of action we could help her with: "I wanted to understand IT more and get back into work having had children. I'm now working part-time in financial services and the IT skills I gained really helped."

Learning with us has really paid off, as Miranda explains. "I'm so glad I took that step towards learning. I wasn't confident in applying for jobs, but improving my skills really helped me go for the interview and get back into work.

How we've helped Amanda Cowan find the right skills

Amanda Cowan, 43 from London, had been a stay-at-home mum for 16 years. She came to learndirect to help get the qualifications she needed to get a job.

In a few months she's gone from being a single mum relying on benefits - to gaining an IT qualification and finding a job as a learning centre assistant.

"I've got some qualifications under my belt, a new job and a life that I am proud of," says Amanda.

"The whole learning experience has really boosted my confidence... I'm loving every second of my new job," she says.

How we've helped Shaun Drake find the right skills

Shaun Drake, 42, from Folkestone, was a full-time carer from a young age. This meant he left school with no qualifications.

He came to learndirect with a dream to turn his life around. He gained IT, English and maths qualifications and now has a job as a support worker for adults with mental health issues.

"It was a challenge to return to learning after 25 years," says Shaun. "But the tutors constantly supported me."

"I'm now putting my new IT skills to good use by running a local computer group," he says.

How we've helped Nigel Guppy find the right skills

Nigel Guppy, 48, from Poole, spent 30 years in the mechanical engineering industry, but he was made redundant in 2008. He wanted a change in career, so visited learndirect for the qualifications he needed.

Nigel says: "My IT skills were very basic, so I started with the ECDL qualification.

"I really enjoyed knowing that what I was achieving would stand me in good stead for the future."

After his ECDL, Nigel achieved qualifications in English and maths - and caught the learning bug. He's now back in work.

"I've now got a new career at the age of 48 and I couldn't be happier! I don't know what the future holds - but I know I love learning and I don't want to stop!"

How we've helped Alun Davies find the right skills

When Alun Davies' employer, the Royal Mint, launched a learndirect initiative, he jumped at the chance to improve his maths and English skills: something he missed out on at school.

Gaining new skills boosted Alun's confidence. He knew that if a chance for promotion came up, his new skills would be recognised and would show his commitment to learning.

After his Level 1 achievements, Alun's now working towards Level 2 in English and maths.

Louise Terry, Training Manager at the Royal Mint, says, "Alun is reaping the benefits of learning. Throughout his experience he has continually promoted the benefits of the learndirect course to others in the organisation, encouraging them to learn too. He really has proved that it's never too late to start learning."